Signs of Unresolved Trauma with self-help tips: Something that remains unresolved in your mind can literally eat you alive. As a result, it is critical to keep an eye out for these signs and symptoms.
Recognizing the symptoms of unresolved trauma can be difficult. People who are experiencing difficulties may enter therapy without even realising that they have experienced the trauma that is causing disruptions in their daily lives.
Trauma’s very nature lends itself to this. When a person experiences a traumatic event, there is often some degree of dissociation, and the person essentially “blocks out” all or part of the event, so his or her awareness of the trauma is inaccurate, making diagnosis difficult. You can, however, look for some common signs of unresolved trauma.
The Effects of Unresolved Trauma
Just because someone who has experienced trauma blocks out (consciously or unconsciously) what occurred does not mean that he or she will not feel the effects of it.
“The effects of unresolved trauma can be devastating,” says Peter A. Levine, Ph.D., who has treated and researched trauma for over 45 years. It has the potential to influence our habits and outlook on life, leading to addictions and poor decision-making. It can have a negative impact on our family lives and interpersonal relationships. It has the potential to cause real physical pain, symptoms, and disease. It can also lead to a variety of self-destructive behaviours.”
Signs and Symptoms of Unresolved Trauma
Even if a person’s memories of the trauma are hidden from his or her awareness, there are signs that will become apparent in his or her daily life. The following are some of the most common symptoms of unresolved trauma:
- Anxiety or panic attacks that occur in seemingly normal situations
- A sense of shame; an innate belief that they are bad, worthless, or unimportant.
- Suffering from persistent or chronic depression
- Avoiding people, places, or things that may be associated with the traumatic event; this can also include avoiding unpleasant emotions.
- Flashbacks, nightmares, and physical memories of the traumatic event
- Addiction and eating disorders are used to avoid or numb negative emotions.
- Sleeping problems include difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Suffering from feelings of detachment or being “dead on the inside” (This is possibly the most devastating of the signs, as it creates a sense of loneliness and isolation.)
- Dissociation is defined as a genuine disconnect in situations and conversations.
- Hypervigilance (a constant feeling of being on guard) (a constant feeling of being on guard)
- Suicidal ideation or behaviour
- Uncontrollable rage; taking action on it
- Self-harm, mutilation, and cutting
- They are no longer able to tolerate conflicts as they once did.
- Fears of people, places, or things that are unexplained or irrational
If you recognise any, or all, of the above symptoms, you should consider speaking with a therapist about your trauma. Is it easier to function normally or to work through the pain you’ve experienced? It’s a question only you can answer, but don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Many people who have been traumatised, and possibly developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have worked through their past events and recovered. There is assistance and support available.
Self-help tips to resolve unresolved trauma
Here are seven self-help tips that may assist you in dealing with unresolved trauma, as having a healthy body can increase your ability to cope with trauma’s stress.
- Exercise can assist in resetting the body’s chemical disruption following trauma. It can also produce the ‘feel-good’ chemical endorphin.
- Take part in social activities.
- Reconnect with old acquaintances
- Sleep Each night, one should aim for 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted and refreshing sleep.
- Alcohol and drugs should be avoided because they can exacerbate trauma symptoms and increase feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation.
- Consume a healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help you relax.
We must remember that healing from trauma takes time, and that everyone heals at their own pace. So, don’t be overly possessive, but keep an eye on people who have experienced trauma and are exhibiting the above symptoms. Also, don’t be afraid to seek medical attention.
(Disclaimer: Goalympic Team is updating knowledgeable content in this blog from official sources and is not aiming to promote any particular source or business through this and also, do not hold any copyrighting rights under our names for the content)
