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Writer's pictureCalm Collective

Understanding Trauma



An image of a woman in a beach looking sideways. A text overlay is written discussing signs that one may not know about pertaining to trauma.



Trauma can have profound and often subtle impacts on various aspects of our lives. Here are some signs of trauma that are less commonly known, making it easier to identify and seek help.



Mental Signs:

1. Intrusive Thoughts: Unwanted, distressing memories or images that can disrupt daily life.

2. Difficulty Concentrating: Finding it hard to focus or remember things, often due to being in a heightened state of alertness.

3. Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from oneself or the surroundings, as if you’re in a dream (Depersonalization and Derealization)


Physical Signs:

1. Chronic Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest, often linked to the body’s prolonged stress response.

2. Unexplained Pain: Aches and pains, especially in the back and neck, without any clear physical cause, related to the body holding tension.

3. Frequent Illness: Lowered immune response leading to frequent colds or infections due to constant stress


Social Signs:

1. Isolation: Withdrawing from friends and family, avoiding social situations due to feeling unsafe or overwhelmed.

2. Relationship Struggles: Difficulty trusting others, conflicts, or detachment in relationships, often from a fear of being hurt.

3. Boundary Issues: Either overly rigid or excessively loose boundaries, struggling to maintain healthy interactions


Affective Signs:

1. Emotional Numbness: Feeling detached from emotions, unable to experience joy or sorrow fully, as a protective mechanism.

2. Heightened Startle Response: Being easily startled or jumpy, reflecting an overactive fight-or-flight response.

3. Mood Swings: Sudden changes in mood, from irritability to sadness, without clear triggers.


Understanding these signs can be the first step towards healing. If you recognize any of these symptoms, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for support and guidance.



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