Common reactions to trauma include re-experiencing the traumatic event through thoughts and flashbacks which can trigger fear, anger, or sadness. Survivors often avoid trauma reminders like activities, people, or conversations related to the event. Negative thoughts and feelings may also develop, including blaming oneself, loss of interest, and difficulty feeling positive emotions. Hyperarousal can occur as well, leaving one feeling constantly on edge with symptoms like irritability, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety.
Common reactions to trauma include re-experiencing the traumatic event through thoughts and flashbacks which can trigger fear, anger, or sadness. Survivors often avoid trauma reminders like activities, people, or conversations related to the event. Negative thoughts and feelings may also develop, including blaming oneself, loss of interest, and difficulty feeling positive emotions. Hyperarousal can occur as well, leaving one feeling constantly on edge with symptoms like irritability, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety.
Common reactions to trauma include re-experiencing the traumatic event through thoughts and flashbacks which can trigger fear, anger, or sadness. Survivors often avoid trauma reminders like activities, people, or conversations related to the event. Negative thoughts and feelings may also develop, including blaming oneself, loss of interest, and difficulty feeling positive emotions. Hyperarousal can occur as well, leaving one feeling constantly on edge with symptoms like irritability, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety.
Common reactions to trauma include re-experiencing the traumatic event through thoughts and flashbacks which can trigger fear, anger, or sadness. Survivors often avoid trauma reminders like activities, people, or conversations related to the event. Negative thoughts and feelings may also develop, including blaming oneself, loss of interest, and difficulty feeling positive emotions. Hyperarousal can occur as well, leaving one feeling constantly on edge with symptoms like irritability, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety.
Trauma survivors may re-experience their trauma through thoughts, feelings, memories, and other means. Re-experiencing a trauma can be very distressing, and may trigger uncomfortable emotions such as fear, anger, or sadness.
• Nightmares • Flashbacks (uncontrollable vivid images and memories of the trauma) • Distressing thoughts and feelings about the trauma • Emotional distress or physical responses after experiencing a trauma reminder
Avoidance of Trauma Reminders
Because reminders of a trauma can be so distressing, it is common for trauma survivors to use avoidance to control these reactions.
• Using drugs or alcohol to suppress uncomfortable thoughts and emotions
• Avoidance of activities related to the trauma • Avoidance of people, places, or things related to the trauma • Suppressing thoughts related to the trauma • Avoidance of conversations about the trauma
Negative Thoughts or Feelings
Negative thoughts or feelings may begin or worsen after experiencing a trauma. Some of these thoughts and feelings might not seem to relate directly to the trauma.
• Excessive blame toward oneself or others related to the trauma
• Loss of interest in activities • Feelings of isolation or disconnection from surroundings • Difficulty experiencing positive feelings • Loss of memory related to the trauma • Excessive negative thoughts about oneself or the world
Hyperarousal Reactivity, or a feeling of being “on edge”, may begin or worsen after experiencing a trauma. This category includes a broad range of physical and psychological symptoms.
• Becoming irritable, quick to anger, or aggressive
• Heightened startle reaction • Difficulty concentrating • Frequently scanning the environment or watching for trauma reminders • Difficulty sleeping • Feelings of anxiety, and related symptoms such as a racing heart, upset stomach, or headaches • Risky or impulsive behaviors
