Trauma and PTSD
Trauma is a response to an event that overwhelms a person's ability to cope. Healing is possible, and you do not have to go through it alone.
It can feel like
How can trauma affect me as an adult?
Adults may develop emotional disturbances such as extreme anxiety, anger, sadness, survivor's guilt, or PTSD. They may have ongoing problems with sleep or physical pain, turbulence in personal and professional relationships, and a diminished sense of self-worth.
Many children experience trauma through ongoing exposure to abuse, neglect, homelessness, domestic violence, or violence in their communities. Those experiences can still show up in adult life.
Traumatic experiences often arouse strong, disturbing feelings that may or may not abate on their own. In the immediate aftermath it is common to feel shock or denial, fear, anger, guilt, or shame. Helplessness and vulnerability are also common. Some people have flashbacks and other signs of PTSD.
Traumatic memories often fade with time. The persistence of symptoms is a signal that professional help is needed.
Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
Avoiding reminders of the event
Feeling on edge, irritable, or easily startled
Trouble sleeping or concentrating
Feeling numb, detached, or disconnected
Negative thoughts about yourself or the world
How trauma responses can look
Acute Stress
Strong reactions in the days and weeks after a frightening event, such as trouble sleeping, feeling on edge, or replaying what happened. For many people these ease with time and support.
PTSD
When flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, or feeling constantly on guard last for more than a month or disrupt daily life, it may be post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is treatable.
Complex Trauma
Repeated or long-term trauma, often in childhood or in close relationships, can affect trust, emotions, and sense of self. Care is paced and built on safety.