Trauma
Trauma can be the event and the way it makes us feel after the event.
What is trauma?
When we experience or see someone else experience a stressful, frightening or distressing event that is trauma. Trauma can be the event and the way it makes us feel after the event.
When a person has experienced a shocking, unexpected or traumatic incident they might have emotional and physical shock that may last for a long time after the trauma. These reactions are normal, but will be very unique, personal and individual.
Here are some reactions that people can experience after a trauma:
Physical
- tension in the muscles
- tiredness & exhaustion
- little desire to do anything
- hyperactivity
- headaches
- increased, rapid heartbeat
- other physical pains
Emotional
- feelings of hopelessness
- guilt
- depression
- anxiety
- moodiness
- panic attacks
- nightmares
- loss in self-confidence or concentration
Behavioural
- increased smoking and/or drinking
- workaholism, or not turning up to work
- personal neglect
- nail biting
- impulsiveness
- twitches, tapping fingers, etc.
- changes in eating patterns
Trauma can affect how you feel about yourself and even how you feel about the world. It’s important to remember that trauma reactions are normal, they are not your fault, and there are things that can help.
For more information about how we react to trauma and some of the things that can help, have a look at our self-help guide.
The latest from our news and blogs
Be the change: how to be an Active Bystander
We can all be bystanders. Every day events unfold around us. At some point, we will register someone in danger. When this happens, we can decide to do or say something (and become an active bystander), or to let it go (and remain a passive bystander).
Kinergy closure statement
We are deeply saddened by the closure of Kinergy, an organisation that has provided invaluable support to survivors of sexual violence for nearly 30 years.
The power of creativity in healing: songs of survival
Recently, two people reached out to us independently, each having recorded a song about their personal experiences of sexual violence. Their powerful and deeply moving songs serve as a testament to resilience, and we’re honoured they asked us to share their work.
