Signs You Are Healing From Trauma

Trauma emerges from distressing experiences in our lives, such as natural disasters or accidents, leaving a lasting impact on us.

It influences every facet of life, encompassing relationships, health, and spirituality.

Defined as a psychological wound incurred from a traumatic event, the concept of trauma was first introduced by Sigmund Freud in “Beyond the Pleasure Principle”. Freud characterized trauma as an emotional retreat in response to a terrifying event.

Trauma is a widespread phenomenon; most individuals encounter some form of trauma during their lives.

However, many are unaware that they are dealing with trauma-related psychological problems or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Determining the cause of trauma and understanding the healing process can be complex, often leaving individuals oblivious to trauma’s effects on their daily lives.

That’s where our role becomes crucial. We provide insights into the common indicators of trauma healing, along with the symptoms and causes of trauma, to assist you in recognizing its presence in your life. Continue reading for more information.

Please remember, this article serves as an informational guide only. If you have concerns about trauma, PTSD, or any related issues, it’s important to consult a professional for advice.

Causes Of Trauma Or PTSD

The following list outlines some of the causes of psychological traumas (signs of trauma) and PTSD

1. Natural disasters such as hurricanes/earthquakes/flooding
2. War
3. Sexual assault
4. Physical abuse
5. Physical or mental illness
6. Childhood abuse and neglect
7. Emotional or psychological abuse
8. Experiencing violence-related situations
9. Witnessing violent crime/abuse
10. Accidents such as car crashes
11. Death of a loved one
12. Having a loved one suffer from physical or mental illness
13. Stressful circumstances before exposure to a trauma

These are only a few examples of psychological traumas, there are many different causes of trauma and PTSD, and some are less easy to spot and more misunderstood than others (such as in the case of emotional abuse, where an individual may not realize that they are experiencing psychological trauma).

If you think you may be suffering from trauma or PTSD, read through the symptoms below.

Here are some signs of trauma to watch out for:

Signs of trauma

1. You tend to keep things inside – Instead of talking about your distressing thoughts and emotions, It may be easier for you to avoid them or not speak about them with others.
2. You can’t concentrate well – You may struggle to stay focused, recall information, or keep your attention on things.
3. You feel jumpy – Sudden actions and noises might make you jump or feel on edge.
4. You often feel sad, depressed, or anxious – You may have feelings of worthlessness, not enjoy activities you used to, become socially withdrawn, or feel anxious frequently.
5.  You suffer flashbacks frequently – When you remember traumatic events, you find yourself reliving those painful memories over and over again.
6. You don’t sleep well – Insomnia is common after a traumatic event.
7. You become irritable or aggressive – People who’ve been through trauma often feel angry and don’t know how to process their emotions. You may begin acting out verbally, physically, or both to vent. But yelling or fighting won’t solve your problems. Instead, it will only make matters worse.

What Is The Difference Between Trauma And PTSD?

One thing to note about trauma is that it could take months, years, or even decades to recover fully from the effects of trauma.

However, if someone has experienced repeated or multiple traumas throughout their lifetime, these experiences can cause long-term damage to their brain.

This is known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD). For example, PTSD can arise when someone has been exposed repeatedly to a violent situation or witnessed a murder (which is called “complex” PTSD).

These events have left the sufferer with overwhelming fear, guilt, sadness, and anger which can also lead to depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and other disorders.

Seeing a doctor or mental health professional will help you to determine if you are suffering from trauma or more serious PTSD.

Signs You Have Trauma and When To Seek Help

If you suspect you are suffering from psychological trauma, talk to a doctor or therapist to discuss appropriate treatment options.

But don’t wait until you’re too far into a problem to seek professional help. Start with your GP – he/she should know the best ways to evaluate your condition.

People who suffer from PTSD often deny their condition, which makes getting proper care tough. However, if you suspect you might be having difficulties due to past experiences, it’s important to seek help before things get worse.

Asking for help doesn’t make you weak, or less courageous than others. You may be offered talking therapies and medication to help treat your condition. You may be interested in our article How To Talk About Trauma In Therapy

Work with your doctor or therapist to come up with a treatment plan that suits your individual needs and preferences.

You can also apply some self-help techniques to your life – such as practicing self-care and mindfulness. A technique that many trauma sufferers find helpful is to keep a journal. Read how to journal for self-improvement.

Journaling is useful not only to record the details of your traumatic events and progress throughout therapy but also by allowing you to express your innermost thoughts and emotions on paper without judgment so that you can release them.

Writing about difficult memories may seem like difficult work, but permitting yourself to write down those unwanted thoughts can help you heal emotionally.

So, how do you know that you are healing from trauma? Read on to find out about the differences you’ll see in yourself as you move on from the damage caused by psychological trauma.

Signs You Are Healing From Trauma

Trauma is a painful psychological wound that takes time, effort, and support to heal. Here are some of the signs that you are well on your way to recovering from trauma.

Signs you’re healing:

• You look forward to going back to work or doing certain activities.
• You feel happier and less depressed or anxious.
• You can get along with other people better.
• Your self-esteem has increased.
• You no longer crave drugs and alcohol or anything you used to numb your trauma.
• You smile more easily and enjoy what life has to offer.
• You are more patient and loving towards yourself and those around you.
• You have accepted your trauma and come to terms with it.
• You don’t experience any or as many symptoms such as flashbacks, nervousness, or irritability.
• You are more self-aware and know how to overcome bad mental health days.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Trauma Or PTSD?

Trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder isn’t something anyone wants, but if you have it it can lead to serious mental health issues. The good news is that you can recover from these types of trauma.

However, recovery takes time and a lot of patience. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, it could take several months to years.

The average time required to overcome trauma depends on the severity or length of the event, as well as the quality of treatment.

Conclusion

Having trauma or PTSD won’t stop you from living a happy and fulfilling life. Traumatic events happen to most people at some point in their life.

Although there’s often nothing we can do to prevent traumatic occurrences, having tools to manage the psychological injuries caused by trauma will help sufferers on their road to healing.

Don’t let past trauma control you, and be kind to yourself throughout your recovery. Take note of the words and support you would give to a friend or family member in a similar situation.

Practice positive self-talk, engage in various treatment opportunities and help yourself to get better as best you can.

Frequently Asked Questions For Signs You Are Healing From Trauma

What are some signs that you are healing from emotional trauma?

Signs can include increased emotional awareness, ability to empathize, decrease in flashbacks, a sense of control and resilience, prioritizing self-care, acceptance of the past, a positive outlook on life, setting of healthy boundaries, improvement in sleep quality, and regained interest in activities.

Does emotional trauma ever fully heal?

Healing from emotional trauma is a deeply personal journey that varies from individual to individual. Some people may fully heal, experiencing a transformation that leads to a stronger, more resilient self, while others may continue to experience some effects but learn to cope and lead fulfilling lives.

How long does it take to heal from emotional trauma?

The healing timeline for emotional trauma varies significantly based on the severity of the trauma, individual resilience, availability of support, and professional help. It’s not a race but a marathon, with the end goal being recovery and personal growth.

Can healing from emotional trauma lead to personal growth?

Absolutely! Healing often leads to post-traumatic growth, a psychological phenomenon where individuals experience profound personal growth and transformative changes following trauma.

What if I don’t see these signs of healing?

Not seeing these signs of healing doesn’t mean you’re not healing. Remember, healing is not linear, and everyone’s journey is unique. If you’re struggling, it’s important to seek professional help to guide you through this process.

How can I aid my healing process from emotional trauma?

There are numerous ways to aid your healing process, including therapy, self-care routines, mindfulness, connecting with supportive individuals, and finding healthy coping mechanisms.

Related posts:

How To Talk About Trauma In Therapy What is Brain Spotting Therapy? What To Expect After EMDR Therapy How To Heal Deep Emotional Wounds