Trauma is not just something that “happens” to you. Its effects can be all-consuming, shaping how you view the world and manage your daily responsibilities.
On average, 6 out of every 10 men and 5 out of every 10 women experience trauma at least once in their lifetime.
Whether it manifests in insomnia, chronic stress, or strained relationships, trauma has a powerful way of making its presence felt long after the traumatic event. This article delves into the how trauma affects your daily life? and how it can be managed.
What is Trauma, And What Are The Effects Of Trauma? PTSD And Long-Term Effects Of Trauma
Trauma comes from a Greek word for wound, and trauma can be seen as a constriction, a narrowing, or a diminishment of one’s emotional and psychological functioning.
Trauma is one of those things that is individual to everyone, but trauma is really when somebody has an adverse experience to an event or situation.
These impacts of trauma are not like physical symptoms or wounds that heal in a couple of weeks.
One of the things that science has shown is that trauma untreated doesn’t go away. Why is that? Because trauma impacts the brain. The body and the brain are designed to protect from bad things happening.
So, when trauma occurs, the brain, particularly the older part of the brain, keeps that trauma locked away, so to speak. When a similar traumatic experience happens again, it might be the same kind of abuse, or it could be something associated with the trauma, like a loud noise, a certain smell, certain colors, or even the time of day or month.
This can trigger what’s called a trauma response. You’re responding to something in the present that has nothing to do with the here and now but is tied to that past event and is like a flashback. That’s why we say trauma untreated doesn’t go away; it will continue to manifest and pop up at the worst possible moments. Individuals may find themselves reliving the situation over and over again, unsure of how to deal with it
Effects of Trauma On Emotional And Mental Health
Trauma as Disconnection from Yourself
Trauma leads to a separation from your true self, causing you to ignore your gut feelings. These instincts are vital for survival, and ignoring them is a sign of disconnection from yourself. Trauma creates this internal divide, making it hard to trust your own intuition.
Trauma as Disconnection from Others
Trauma isolates you from others, causing mistrust and loneliness. You may feel cut off from meaningful connections, and even when seeking social interaction, the underlying feeling of isolation remains strong. This leads to a cycle of disconnection and withdrawal from those around you.
Trauma Distorts Your View of the World
Trauma distorts how you see the world, making it seem like a hostile, dangerous place. This negative lens causes you to approach life with fear and mistrust, shaping a reality where you expect harm or danger, even if it’s not there.
Trauma Brings Lifelong Pain
Trauma leaves a lasting wound, one that never completely heals. Even if time passes, the pain persists and often influences your actions. This ongoing discomfort compels you to constantly seek relief, but the pain remains unless directly addressed.
Trauma Affects Brain Development
Particularly in children, trauma may hinder brain development. People with PTSD who haven’t fully developed the ability to regulate stress due to their own trauma are less able to help children do the same. This leads to an underdeveloped ability to manage emotions and traumatic stress.
Related: What Type of Psychotherapy is Best for Anxiety?
Trauma Creates a Shame-Based View of Yourself
Trauma instills a deep sense of shame, making you feel flawed at your core. This shame-based self-image is not just about feeling bad for your actions but about believing something is inherently wrong with who you are.
Trauma Keeps You Stuck in the Past
Trauma traps you in past experiences, affecting how you respond to current situations. Instead of living fully in the present, you’re constantly reacting to old wounds, which shape your behavior and decisions in the present moment.
How Trauma Affects Your Relationship
Difficulty Trusting Others
Unhealed trauma can lead to barriers in trusting others, often accompanied by thoughts like “If I open up, I’ll only get hurt again.” Research shows that individuals from abusive or divorced homes may struggle with trust in future relationships.
The Need for Perfection
Perfectionism may manifest as procrastination or an intense focus on achieving flawless results. This trait often stems from childhood trauma, where individuals felt they needed to prove their worth. Perfectionism can harm intimate relationships by creating unrealistic expectations.
Trouble Communicating or Expressing Needs
Trauma survivors may become hyper-aware of their surroundings, leading to dissociation and difficulties in concentration. This can hinder their ability to express themselves and understand others effectively.
Difficulty Setting Clear Boundaries
Trauma often results in a belief that others’ needs are more important than one’s own, making it hard to say no. Survivors may feel compelled to please others to feel safe, neglecting their own well-being.
No Desire to Connect or Bond with Others
A lack of interest in social interactions can arise after complex trauma, stemming from feelings of being unlovable or fearing rejection. This avoidance can lead to isolation and a disconnection from previously enjoyed relationships.
How Trauma Affects Your Physical Health?
Small doses of stress can be beneficial, helping you meet deadlines, avoid danger, and respond quickly to emergencies.
However, long-term stress, particularly for those dealing with PTSD or unresolved trauma, can impact every part of a person’s life —emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and physical well-being.
Physical stress symptoms include:
- Low energy
- Headaches
- Upset stomach (diarrhea, constipation, nausea)
- Aches, pains, and tense muscles
- Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
- Frequent colds and infections
- Loss of sexual desire or ability
- Nervousness, shaking, ringing in the ears
- Cold or sweaty hands and feet
- Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
- Insomnia
- Clenched jaw and teeth-grinding
Wrap Up
Living with the aftermath of trauma can be a challenging journey, but it’s important to remember that healing is possible. By understanding how trauma can affect your daily life, you can take steps to manage its impact and build a more fulfilling life.
Faqs
How trauma can change your life?
Trauma can drastically change your life by altering your perceptions, behaviors, and emotional responses. It can lead to long-lasting effects like anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
What is trauma, and how does it affect someone?
Trauma is a deep emotional distress that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. It can be caused by events like accidents, violence, or natural disasters.
Can you live a normal life after trauma?
It’s possible to live a normal life long after the trauma, but it often requires mental health professional help and support. Recovery is a journey that takes time, and individuals may experience setbacks along the way.
How does trauma make us feel?
Trauma can make people feel a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, fear, guilt, and shame.