Manifestations of Trauma

“Hello there! I’m here to provide you with a bit of information on the various ways in which trauma can manifest. I would like to remind you that suggestions on this post should not be taken as medical advice, legal advice, therapy, etc. or as a one-size-fits-all approach.  Keep in mind that every individual’s journey of  experiencing and navigating through stress or trauma is distinctive because you are one of a kind and no person is truly like you!  Experiencing abuse in any form is NOT OKAY, but what you are experiencing as a result of abuse is valid.  Please know that healing is not a formula and is not for anyone else to define for you. You do you, and you follow all that you need to follow, to help yourself. If you need additional resources or just someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to Imaara Foundation."

What are some ways trauma manifests?

• Nightmares & flashbacks

• insomnia

• chronic distrust towards people

• low self-esteem

• self-image issues

• changes in appetite and emotional control

These also lead to physical symptoms like:

• nausea and dizziness

• chronic headache

• anxiety/panic attacks

• breakdowns

• breathing difficulties

• drastic change in body weight

Can trauma effect mental health?

Other important manifestations of trauma are its effects on mental health. The symptoms mentioned above more often than not lead to a mental health issue, such as:

• Depressive Disorder

• Anxiety/Panic Disorder

• Eating Disorders

• Substance Abuse Issues

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

It could also lead to dissociation – which is an “out of the body” experience, or feeling like looking at oneself from an outsider perspective and having no control over the body. Dissociation could also lead to hallucinations and lead to Dissociative or Personality Disorders.

What other factors does the manifestation of trauma depend on?

Through all these symptoms, it is important to keep in mind that one’s experience of reaction to trauma depends on one’s social support system, their family backgrounds, in case of trauma in adult relationships – on their previous life experiences, the nature and intensity of the traumatic event and any other immediate systems of support and facilitation.

Does trauma look the same for everyone?

No.

Symptoms or manifestations don’t present for everyone in the same manner, which makes it important to keep in mind that the mental health issues related to these and listed about are also different for everyone. This makes it imperative to keep in mind that one must be careful to not self diagnose in cases of any mental health problems and should always consult a professional in the field of mental health – like a therapist or psychiatrist/psychologist.

Everyone has different experiences of trauma, and different reactions within the broad categories of experiences. For the same reason, trauma shows differently for everyone in their mental health an emotional & social behavior. It is important to not compare any experiences or examples, and keep in mind that one’s own trauma is valid no matter what.