Trauma results from experiencing stressful, frightening, or distressing events that are difficult to cope with or feel out of our control. It can be a single incident or an ongoing event that occurs over a long period. Most of us will encounter an event in our lives that could be considered traumatic.

In this episode, I share my own experience with the often unseen and pervasive nature of trauma. My hope is to help you become aware of the subtle signs of hidden trauma in your life and provide foundational information to understand it better.

I offer some simple, practical steps that have worked for others and might work for you, and encourage you to consider seeking professional help if needed. Join me in recognizing hidden trauma and finding ways to manage and heal from it.

Symptoms of psychological trauma

• Shock, denial, or disbelief.
• Confusion, difficulty concentrating.
• Anger, irritability, mood swings.
• Anxiety and fear.
• Guilt, shame, self-blame.
• Withdrawing from others.
• Feeling sad or hopeless.
• Feeling disconnected or numb.

Reactions to trauma can be:

• Feel an intense desire to fall into an old soothing habit
• Body feels tense and stressed out
• Not sleeping
• Mentally - shut down and unable to process
• Emotionally - on edge, weepy
• Need to run away or hide
• You basically find yourself in fight or flight mode.

The Body Keeps The Score, Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

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