There are some memories you might have that are hard to shake off, no matter how long ago it was. And when you see, hear, or experience something familiar to them, these triggers can bring you back to the traumatic event and impact you emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Trauma is the word used to describe these feelings of intensity related to a tragic event. Shock and denial are typical with trauma as well as unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and physical symptoms.  

By understanding what trauma is, and how it can affect you, you can do something about it.

Types of Trauma

One specific trauma type is acute trauma, which results from a single distressing event. The event creates a lasting impression on the person’s mind, affecting the person’s perceived sense of stability and security. Examples include:


•   Car or Motorcycle Accidents

•   Sexual Assault/Violence


•   Natural Disasters


•   Other Life-threatening Situations


Another type of trauma is chronic trauma, which occurs when you have experienced prolonged, multiple, and/or long-term traumatic events over an extended period of time. It can be things like:

•   Persistent Medical Issues


•   Abuse or Neglect


•   Domestic violence


•   Bullying


•   Exposure to extreme situations like war


How Trauma Affects Us Emotionally

Trauma can dramatically shift your daily mood, your interactions with others, and how you feel about the world and yourself. Denial of what happened to you is a common response that stems from trauma. Making sense of what happened to you can be a scary thing to face, and might be something you unconsciously avoid thinking or talking about. You can also blame yourself, despite it not being your fault or something you could control. 

Anger and depressed mood can also be persistent, based on the trauma that occurred. Emotional outbursts can even occur in unexpected moments, such as when things are going well or when you’re not even thinking about what happened. These emotions can cause you to push your loved ones away, especially if you feel they might not understand what you are going through.

Some people turn to excessive alcohol or substance use as a way of masking these feelings of anxiety or depression. Often these substances provide a temporary sense of relief or escape, but can quickly become their own challenges.

 How Trauma Affects Us Mentally

Trauma can impact your way of thinking in several ways. One is through creating distorted thoughts, such as assuming negative things will continue happening to you. Mentally, it can be difficult to maintain a positive disposition if it seems there is a pattern or repetition of negative, traumatic events. Another example is experiencing flashbacks. No matter how long ago this traumatic event was, it can still feel fresh to you when something triggers those memories. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might develop following exposure to trauma, and can often cause you to feel hypervigilant or on edge. This is a survival response, and your mind’s subconscious way of avoiding exposure to additional traumatic experiences. Using the term PTSD is not meant to be a negative label, but rather a way to describe and remove self-blame from one’s collective reactions and responses after trauma. 

How Trauma Affects Us Physically

Trauma can impact brain development and chemistry, as well as cause physical responses in our bodies. When we feel threatened or are placed in threatening situations, our bodies discharge chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline that keep us in a ready state to avoid danger, often known as “fight-or-flight mode.” Having frequent surges or spikes in these chemicals leads to challenges with concentration, memory, regulation, and weight management.

You may also have other trauma-based physical symptoms, such as anxiety or panic attacks, increased heart rate, and recurrent nightmares (which can cause insomnia). These physical manifestations of trauma can occur swiftly when triggered, no matter where you are, and can be hard to cope with. You could also feel numb and detached from the rest of the world as a result of what is known as “dissociation.” This can also feel like being in a dream or altered perception of reality, and can be disorienting.

Trauma, in its many forms, tends to come with scars invisible to others. If you feel the weight you’re carrying is affecting how you function at work, at home, or in your relationships, therapy can help you find hope and relief from the effects of trauma. Feel free to reach out to us for a free 15-minute consultation, so we can share how to best care for yourself and begin a corrective therapeutic journey.