WHAT IS TRAUMA

Trauma refers to a psychological, biological and/ or emotional response to a distressing or disturbing event or series of events that disrupts an individual’s nervous system and ability.

different types of trauma

Acute

Trauma from a single event

Chronic

Trauma from repeated and prolonged events, i.e. domestic
violence, abuse or neglect.

Complex

Trauma from exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events
often in both an invasive and disruptive manner.

Recognizing Traumatic Symptoms

Emotional Signs

  1. Anxiety and Fear: Excessive worry or fear, which may be generalized or related to specific triggers.
  2. Sadness or Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or disinterest in activities.
  3. Anger and Irritability: Frequent outbursts of anger, irritability, or frustration over minor issues.
  4. Emotional Numbness: A lack of emotional response or feeling
    disconnected from one’s emotions.

Behavioral Signs

  1. Changes in Behavior: Sudden changes in behavior, such as aggression, withdrawal, or defiance.
  2. Avoidance: Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind them of the traumatic event.
  3. Regression: Reverting to earlier developmental behaviors, such as bedwetting or thumb-sucking in children.
  4. Hypervigilance: Being excessively alert or easily startled, often scanning the environment for potential threats
  5. Withdrawal: Increased isolation, withdrawing from social interactions or family gatherings.
  6. Agitation or Irritability: Becoming easily frustrated or agitated over minor issues
  7. Changes in Daily Routine: Disruption in eating, sleeping, or personal hygiene routines.

Physical Signs

  1. Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, nightmares, or night terrors.
  2. Appetite Changes: Significant changes in eating habits, leading to weight loss or gain.
  3. Physical Complaints: Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained physical symptoms.
  4. Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or low energy levels despite adequate rest.
  5. Somatic Complaints: Frequent, unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or chronic pain.

Cognitive Signs

  1. Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks, following directions, or staying on topic.
  2. Memory Problems: Difficulty remembering details of the traumatic event or other important information.
  3. Negative Thoughts: Persistent negative thoughts about oneself, others, or the world.
  4. Intrusive Thoughts: Recurring, intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event.
  5. Concentration Issues: Difficulty focusing, making decisions, or completing tasks.
  6. Flashbacks: Vivid, distressing flashbacks that make them feel as if they are reliving the traumatic event.

Social Signs

  1. Isolation: Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities.
  2. Trust Issues: Difficulty trusting others or forming close relationships.
  3. Clinginess: Excessive attachment to caregivers or trusted individuals, especially in children.
  4. Altered Communication Patterns: Displaying a tendency to dominate conversations or, conversely, to avoid speaking.
  5. Emotional Dysregulation in Social Settings: Difficulty managing emotions, leading to outbursts or breakdowns, Showing signs of anxiety or panic in social situations.

Academic Signs (specific to children in school settings)

  1. Decline in Academic Performance: Sudden drop in grades or disinterest in schoolwork.
  2. Absenteeism: Frequent absences or reluctance to go to school.
  3. Behavioral Issues in Class: Acting out, disruptive behavior, or frequent visits to the school nurse.

Specific Indicators in Different Age Groups

  • Young Children: Regressive behaviors, increased clinginess, fear of being separated from caregivers.
  • Adolescents: Risk-taking behaviors, substance abuse, changes in peer groups, self-harm.

If you or someone you love is having any of these symptoms our
Trauma Informed Services Yoga, Reiki and Meditation services are the right fit for you.