Center for Trauma,
Grief and Loss
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TRAUMA SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
Targeted therapies give you symptom relief. Learn how >
Most people associate trauma with harrowing events like war or a life-threatening physical injury. But in reality, any distressing event outside normal or
expected human experience can be considered traumatic – whether it’s losing a loved one, relationship or job; suffering emotional abuse bullying, harassment; or witnessing the abuse or suffering of another.
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Traumatic memories are encoded differently than regular memories.When you think about a traumatic event, it feels like you're re-living the experience rather than just recalling it. You might experience bodily sensations, like tension, heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, and change in breathing. You might have an intrusive memory come to mind. These associations are often triggered in the world and sometimes appear to come out of the blue.
Suffering a personal trauma of any sort takes more than a physical or emotional toll. It can change both your beliefs about yourself and others, and your thoughts, fears and behaviors. Even simple everyday stressors and experiences can trigger pain and anxiety, making you feel trapped in the past.
Processing these experiences and memories however - not just consciously, but subconsciously - can actually help break down and clear these unproductive associations from your mind, making way for new positive connections and behaviors.
Do I have post-traumatic stress?
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may start within one month of a traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. These symptoms cause significant problems in social or work situations and in relationships. They can also interfere with your ability to go about your normal daily tasks.
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person.