Trauma can be caused by a wide variety of experiences, with being able to recognise the most common signs a vital step towards tackling it successfully.
Trauma is typically categorised as type 1 or type 2, with type 1 referring to trauma that stems from a single major event, such as an unexpected serious illness or accident, an assault, the death of a loved one or being affected by a natural disaster, and type 2 referring to trauma that stems from childhood experiences.
It is important to understand that trauma can look different for children. Specialists such as www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/trauma-informed-practice-training can help a young person to overcome their trauma.
Early signs
When a traumatic event has just taken place, the survivor may show signs that they are suffering from this experience. The signs or symptoms may be physical, mental or both, such as extreme tiredness or exhaustion, confusion, or agitated behaviour. The person may also be experiencing a sense of numbness or disassociation from events going on around them, so they may not be feeling their usual emotions.
It is important to understand that most people who have undergone a type 1 trauma will demonstrate some of these signs and can often recover by themselves in time; however, if the signs persist or the person’s symptoms worsen, it is time to find a professional to help them. A therapist with trauma informed practice training is an ideal choice.
Ongoing signs
Those who are experiencing delayed trauma may display signs including fatigue, difficulty sleeping (or other sleep disorders, including nightmares), and flashbacks. They may also develop anxiety around situations that remind them of their traumatic experience and may take action to avoid such scenarios, which can have a significant impact on their everyday life. In extreme cases, the person may become reliant on negative escapist strategies, including self-harming, drinking alcohol, or taking drugs. It is also common for those with trauma to be depressed or have low self-esteem.
If you notice any of these signs, encourage the individual to get help.