Trauma

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.