What is Trauma?

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that you did not anticipate or expect. Trauma can be categorized as an accident, tragedy, sudden death, illness, violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse, verbal/psychological abuse, neglect, divorce, incarceration, and a host of other unexpected experiences or events.

PTSD is an emotional and psychological response to trauma. Just like reflexes, when we are startled we react whether it be we are on high alert or we retaliate with a response verbally, physically or mentally.

PTSD Symptoms

        Intrusive memories

         Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:

• Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event

• Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)

• Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event

• Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event

        Avoidance

        Symptoms of avoidance may include:

• Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event

• Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event

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        Negative changes in thinking and mood

        Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:

• Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world

• Hopelessness about the future

• Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event

• Difficulty maintaining close relationships

• Feeling detached from family and friends

• Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed

• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions

• Feeling emotionally numb

        Changes in physical and emotional reactions

        Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) may include:

• Being easily startled or frightened

• Always being on guard for danger

• Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast

• Trouble sleeping

• Trouble concentrating

• Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior

• Overwhelming guilt or shame

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        For children 6 years old and younger, signs and symptoms may also include:

• Re-enacting the traumatic event or aspects of the traumatic event through play

• Frightening dreams that may or may not include aspects of the traumatic event