Counseling sexual addiction, complex trauma, sexual identity concerns and HIV+.
5 Ways to Help You Manage Your Unresolved Trauma
Have you been feeling 'off' lately? For example, you aren't feeling like yourself, but you're not exactly sure what's wrong. Do you find yourself feeling irritable, anxious, or on high-alert almost all the time? In moments of interacting with others, do you find yourself reacting in anger but unsure why? What you're feeling may be due to the unpredictable times we're living in, but could there be more going on? Is it possible you're living with unresolved trauma?
Thanks to a year of stressful changes and unpredictability brought on by COVID-19, and many social issues, life for most of us no longer looks the same. As a result, you may be walking around in a state of overwhelm and not realize it. Or, maybe you do. It could be due to the troubling times we're living in. However, there could be more going on. Unresolved trauma could be at the root of your negative emotions and feelings. But what does that mean, and what can you do about it?
In this article, we'll talk about trauma. We'll discuss what the symptoms of unresolved trauma may look like. Finally, we'll provide 5 ideas to help you cope with the difficult emotions you're living with, even if it is trauma.
What is trauma?
Simply put, trauma is a deeply disturbing or distressing experience. Likewise, there are many circumstances and situations that can be traumatic. It's important to note, two people could experience the same event, and one may be traumatized while the other is not. As a result, trauma experiences are very personal and unique; there is not an exact way to define what will cause trauma. Likewise, there is not a specific way people react to traumatic events.
There are many ways trauma can occur. Examples of events or situations include:
natural disasters
chronic health issues or sudden terminal illness
car accidents
neglect and abuse
divorce
discovering an addiction or infidelity
losing a loved one
witnessing violence or death
There are many events of 2020 that could have been traumatic to you. Likewise, you may have an experience in your past that you can't quite identify but feel some heaviness set in when you think about it. On the contrary, there may be an event with your spouse that felt traumatic to you, but you didn't know how to react, so you pushed your emotions aside. Although the experiences with trauma can vary, there are symptoms of trauma you may recognize.
Symptoms of trauma
A common result of trauma is post-traumatic stress disorder. There are many PTSD symptoms you may experience. For example:
- unexplainable anger
- flashbacks or reoccurring memories
- sleeplessness
- irritability
- nightmares or night sweats
- anxiety/panic attacks
- a constant state of high-alert, feeling jumpy or in danger
Other symptoms can include:
- inability to focus
- isolation
- withdraw from others or activities you usually enjoy
- mood swings
If you recognize your reactions don't match the situation, you may be living with unresolved trauma. For example, do you respond with anger but then wonder why you're so angry? Do you feel like many of your reactions are bigger than you'd like them to be? Although you may not realize it, you may be subconsciously reacting to memories your body has locked away inside.
5 Ideas to Help You Cope With Trauma
If the symptoms you're experiencing seem to align with the list above, you may be living with unresolved trauma. Keep in mind, it has been a very stressful year, and many are feeling the weight of stress and overwhelm. However, if you are experiencing symptoms day after day, it may be worth checking in to.
In the meantime, let's highlight 5 ideas that may help you cope with unresolved trauma.
- Yoga. Studies show yoga has the ability to reduce symptoms of trauma.
- Meditation and mindfulness. Being able to quiet your mind and let thoughts come and go without judgment can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Likewise, both can help with emotional regulation.
- Exercise. There are many health benefits of exercise, and reducing symptoms of PTSD can be one of them.
- Journal. Writing your emotions and thoughts down can be therapeutic. Likewise, it can help you release built-up energy. Furthermore, it may help you keep track of your symptoms and maybe help you identify triggers or patterns.
- Reach out. Many people are finding there are many benefits to talking about your experience rather than shoving it down. As an extra benefit, you could join a friend on a walk outside and talk while maintaining a six-foot distance between you, of course.
At Thrive Counseling Atlanta, we recognize there are many challenges you may be facing right now that may lead to trauma. Likewise, we see the reality of the impact this can have on your physical and mental health. We would love to talk to you about how you're feeling and see how we can support you. Call us today.
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