Trauma: How to recognise it in yourself and your loved ones

Melissa Clarke
April 6, 2022

Trauma is often passed down from one generation to the next. This can be due to a number of factors, such as exposure to violence (sexual assault, domestic violence etc.), childhood neglect or emotional abuse. The effects of trauma can be long-lasting and debilitating, and it’s important to seek help if you think you may be suffering from it. Regather offers trauma counselling for those suffering the effects of trauma.

What is trauma, and how does it affect us

What is Trauma?

Trauma is an emotional response to a traumatic incident or event. This can be a single event (single incident trauma) or a series of events (complex trauma) that are so overwhelming and life-threatening that our bodies react as if we are in danger.

Trauma can affect us physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It can leave us feeling numb, isolated, and disconnected from the world around us.

Types of Trauma

There are many different types of trauma, but some of the most common include:

  • Exposure to violence
  • Childhood neglect
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual assault or sexual abuse
  • Physical abuse
  • Natural disaster
  • Witnessing a traumatic event

Symptoms of Trauma

The symptoms of trauma can be physical, emotional, mental and behavioural. They can vary in intensity and severity, and may come and go over time. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Intrusive thoughts
  • Avoidance of certain people, places or things
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Anger
  • Isolation
  • Substance abuse
  • PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Why we may be More Susceptible to Traumatic Events

There are a number of factors that can make us more susceptible to a traumatic experience. This includes our age, gender, race, ethnicity, culture and socioeconomic status. For example, children and adolescents are more likely to experience trauma than adults because their brains are still developing and they may not have the coping skills to deal with a traumatic event. Women are also more likely to experience trauma than men, due in part to the fact that they are more likely to be victims of sexual violence.

How Trauma is Passed Down from One Generation to the Next

Trauma is often passed down from one generation to the next. This can be due to a number of factors, such as exposure to violence, neglect or emotional abuse. The effects of trauma can be long-lasting and debilitating, and it’s important to seek help if you think you may be suffering from it.

How to recognize the symptoms of someone who has experienced trauma

If you think someone you know may be suffering from the effects of trauma, there are some key signs to look for. They may seem withdrawn, feeling disconnected, or isolated and may have a hard time trusting others. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions and may be prone to angry outbursts or bouts of sadness.

Other symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty concentrating. If you’re concerned about someone, it’s important to reach out and offer support. Let them know that you’re there for them, and encourage them to seek professional help (trauma counselling) if they need it.

If you think you may be suffering from complex trauma, it’s important to seek help. There are many ways to get support including trauma counselling, therapy, medication, and self-care. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Remember, you’re not alone.

Why we may be more susceptible to experiencing traumatic events than others

There are many factors that can make someone more susceptible to experiencing a traumatic event. One of the most common is exposure to violence. This can include being a victim of violence, witnessing violence, or being exposed to images or news reports of violence.

Other factors can include being neglected or emotionally abused as a child, or having a parent who suffers from mental illness or substance abuse. If you have experienced any of these things, it’s important to be aware that you may be more at risk for trauma.

What are the long-term effects of trauma?

The effects of trauma can be long-lasting and debilitating. They can impact every aspect of your life, including your physical health, your relationships, and your work or school performance. If you’ve experienced trauma, you may feel hopeless, helpless, or like you’re not in control of your life. You may also have trouble sleeping, flashbacks, or nightmares.

Effects of trauma on our physical and mental health, including substance abuse issues, anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder etc.

Substance Abuse

Emotional and psychological trauma can have a devastating impact on our physical and mental health. In addition to causing long-term psychological problems, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, trauma can also lead to substance abuse issues.

People who have experienced emotional trauma are often unable to cope with their emotions in a healthy way. They may turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to numb their pain, or they may become withdrawn and isolate themselves from others.

If you suspect that you or someone you love is struggling with personal trauma, it’s important to seek help. There are a number of resources available, including trauma therapy, support groups and trauma counselling. Don’t suffer in silence – reach out for help.

Trauma can have a profound effect on our mental health. It can cause us to feel overwhelmed, scared and helpless. It can also lead to depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Trauma is often passed down from one generation to the next. This can be due to a number of factors, such as exposure to violence, neglect or emotional abuse. The effects of trauma can be long-lasting and debilitating, and it’s important to seek help if you think you may be suffering from a post traumatic stress response.

How to get help if you or someone you know is struggling with trauma

If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, there are a number of things you can do to get help. Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Get trauma treatment through a therapist or counsellor.
  2. Join a support group for people who have experienced trauma.
  3. Read self-help books or articles about coping with trauma.
  4. Seek out social support from family and friends.
  5. Avoid alcohol and other substances that can worsen the effects of trauma.
  6. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
  7. Get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep.
  8. Seek professional help if you think you might be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000, or if you know someone who is experiencing a crisis visit your nearest hospital emergency or call any of the following crisis helplines below.

  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
  • MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
  • QLife 1800 184 527
  • National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015
  • Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
  • 1800RESEPECT 1800 737 732
  • Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling 1800 011 046

Trauma Counselling Bundaberg

Trauma is a very real and serious issue that can have long-term effects on our mental health. It’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms of trauma in ourselves and in our loved ones so that we can get help if needed. As trauma can often be passed down from one generation to the next, it’s crucial that we break the cycle.

If you think you or someone you love may be suffering from complex trauma, look out for the following symptoms:

  • Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event
  • Nightmares or sleep problems
  • Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
  • Startling easily or feeling on edge
  • Feeling angry, irritable, or out of control
  • Having difficulty regulating your emotions
  • Feeling numb or detached from your surroundings

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek help. Trauma can be very debilitating and can take a toll on our mental health. There are many resources available to help you heal from trauma.

Bundaberg based Regather offers trauma counselling for people who are ready to face the challenges of trauma.

You don’t have to go through this alone.

Let's talk.

To make a booking, please fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you to arrange an appointment.