• Trauma can have a lasting effect on physical, mental, and social health.
• It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of trauma and seek medical or professional help if needed.
• There are ways to cope with trauma and its effects, such as journaling, connecting with nature, building connections, etc.
• By taking things one day at a time, you can feel more in control again.
• If the feelings become too overwhelming, it is recommended to seek professional help right away.
Trauma is an experience that can have a lasting effect on your life. It is important to be aware of how trauma can affect both your physical and mental health so that you can recognize the symptoms and take steps to manage them. Here are ways trauma can have a negative impact on your life.
Physical Health Issues
Trauma can lead to physical health issues such as headaches, digestive problems, fatigue, and muscle pain. These symptoms can be caused by stress hormones released during a traumatic event or the aftermath of it. If the physical symptoms become too much to handle, or if they persist for more than a few weeks, it’s essential to seek medical attention.
Mental Health Concerns
Traumatic events can also leave lasting emotional effects, such as depression and anxiety. People who experience trauma may also develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a condition characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, extreme fear or avoidance of anything related to the traumatic event, and other psychological symptoms. If you feel like you or someone close to you might be suffering from PTSD, it is important to seek professional help right away.
Social Struggles
Experiencing trauma often leads people to withdraw from social situations and relationships due to feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty trusting others again after going through something difficult. It’s important to remember that this is normal, but seeking professional help if these feelings become too severe or don’t go away over time is recommended.
Difficulty Concentrating
The aftereffects of trauma often include difficulty concentrating and completing tasks in school and work settings due to feeling overwhelmed or drained of energy trying to manage all its physical and emotional effects at once. Working with experts in intensive trauma therapy can help manage these feelings and make things easier for those suffering from them both at home and at work/school. They can also provide helpful coping strategies and tools to help manage these difficult emotions.
Low Self-Esteem
Experiencing trauma can cause people to feel disconnected from themselves and their usual support systems. This can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of self-confidence, which can affect many aspects of life. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help rebuild your sense of self and confidence, such as these:
Journaling
This can be a great way to explore your thoughts and feelings about the traumatic event. To get started in journaling, try writing down your thoughts and feelings in list form or free-writing whatever comes to mind.
Connect with Nature
Spending time outdoors and engaging in activities that involve being close to nature can help soothe the soul and ease the effects of trauma. For example, walking in the park, gardening, or bird watching can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Building Connections
Try to find supportive people whose company you enjoy or online forums dedicated to discussing issues related to trauma and healing. They can provide a safe space to talk about your feelings and gain valuable tips and advice on how to manage them.
Positive affirmations
Create statements that focus on positive messages and self-love. Remind yourself of your worth and the strengths you possess to help rebuild your sense of self-confidence. You can also practice positive self-talk and try to focus on the good things in your life.
By rebuilding your self-esteem, you can start to feel more in control and less overwhelmed by the aftermath of trauma. It is important to remember that healing takes time, and it’s okay to take things one day at a time.
Trauma can have a lasting effect on your physical, mental, and social health. It is essential to be aware of the symptoms that may arise from trauma so you can take steps to manage them if needed. Luckily, there are many ways to cope with its effects, such as journaling, connecting with nature, building connections with supportive people or online forums dedicated to discussing these issues, and positive affirmations. Remember that healing takes time, but by taking things one day at a time, you will eventually feel more in control again. If the feelings become too overwhelming, it is recommended to seek professional help immediately.
