Your original perceptions and filter of your world may have been altered through an overwhelming experience. In the absence of full processing of the experience you continue to have mental and physical manifestations of unresolved stress. Some of these symptoms begin shortly after the trauma; some develop later. Reactions you might have are:
Emotional Reactions:
_ You feel shame and not worthy
_ You overreact or are overemotional
_ You feel great sadness or anxiety on a regular basis
_ You have a very strong inner critic
_ You are afraid to be abandoned and feel lonely
_ You avoid certain situations
_ You can not feel emotions and are often numb
_ You lack confidence and self esteem
_ You have mood swings
Physical Symptoms:
_ Your body may stay in alert and stress mode until it knows it is safe (Hyperarousal)
_ You have a hard time relaxing and do not know how to settle down (Constriction)
_ You have difficulty sleeping and have nightmares
_ You have body image and weight problems
_ Your memory is not fully functioning
_ You feel numb and cannot feel your body (dissociation)
_ You are suffering from chronic pain
_ Skin disorders
_ Constipation
Relationship Patterns:
_ You may have developed specific patterns that you keep repeating
_ You try to control your partner, friends and family
_ You have a hard time saying no, setting limits or boundaries
_ Relationships can be difficult for you
_ You feel disconnected and detached
If you recognize yourself in these examples, you might have an unresolved traumatic experience.
Trauma symptoms can be expressed days, months, or even years after the traumatic event. Symptoms may suddenly arrive through a trigger in the environment and might appear as emotional, cognitive, or physical reactions. Sometimes the mind is not able to make sense of the internal signals, especially when the person has experienced an overwhelming event or stressful situation. The mind might continue to communicate to the nervous system the necessity to prepare to flee, fight, or freeze. Adrenaline is disbursed and the cycle might perpetually continue until the body-mind perceives that it is safe and recognizes it can rest.
If not addressed these can turn into long-term symptoms such as:
• Panic attack
• Avoidance behavior
• Addictions
• Risk taking behavior
• Constant dissociation
• Memory loss
• Midlife crisis and fear of dying
• Self-harming behavior
• Obsessive or lack of sexual feelings
• Feeling disconnected
