Common Problems Following Trauma
Remember that you are not alone, and everything you are experiencing is normal. After a trauma, you may face:
- Fear and anxiety. Thinking about the trauma can make you anxious, and sometimes this anxiety comes out of nowhere.
- Re-experiencing the trauma. Unwanted thoughts, nightmares and flashbacks can spring up.
- Increased arousal. You may feel very alert, jumpy, jittery, shaky and have trouble concentrating. If this feeling persists, you may get more irritable and have trouble sleeping.
- Avoidance. You may want to avoid the place where something bad happened, just feel numb and even avoid all feelings.
- Uncontrollable feelings of anger, shame or guilt. You may get very irritable with the people trying to help. Remember: you are not to blame.
- Grief and depression. You may feel hopeless, cry often, lose interest in things and people. You may even wonder why you should go on. This is a red flag. You need to talk to a counselor, now!
- Relationship trouble. Trusting people, feeling good about yourself, and having sexual relationships may be tough following a trauma. Be kind to yourself. This is normal. Talk to people you care about, and do not use alcohol or drugs to mask these feelings.
Resources
More information on:
Sleep
Sources:
Below are links PAMF accessed when researching this topic. PAMF does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them.
More information on:
Sleep
Sources:
Below are links PAMF accessed when researching this topic. PAMF does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them.
- Break Through the Static - working to create a caring community aimed at helping teenagers survive, heal and grow after losing a loved one to suicide