Trauma Responses - Why They Can Suck and How Therapy Can Help

Trauma Responses - Why They Can Suck And How Therapy Can Help

Sometimes, after we experience something that has damaged our sense of sense of safety in the world, we may start to develop emotional disturbances. These can include anger or rage, anxiety, depression, guilt, disassociation, and feelings of being emotionally numb or “flat”. Some people also report having intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and an increased startle response. Oftentimes, it becomes difficult to sleep. When these feelings or disturbances last long enough, a stress-related diagnosis, like Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, may be given.

The truth is most of us have experienced some kind of traumatic event. Not everyone reacts the same way to traumatic events but please remember there is help if you feel some – or even all – of the emotions listed above. A very common misconception about trauma is that it will destroy you forever and that does not have to be the case.

The big takeaway for those of us who have experienced trauma is that WE SURVIVIED. Maybe you don’t feel like you are really living but you survived something hard and, however you survived it, no matter how unhealthy the techniques you used may be - they worked. At least enough to get you here today.

The problem is many of the things we do to get ourselves through traumatic events are not super healthy. Some of us may turn to alcohol, some of us may use drugs, some people self-harm, others build walls and end relationships. There may also be behaviors that have negative consequences but can feel good in the moment, such as overspending or speeding and driving recklessly.

You may read this list and say – I do all these things! That’s not abnormal either. So, take a deep breath and know you aren’t crazy, and you aren’t alone. Therapy can help you learn how to move from unhealthy responses to more productive ones.