Types of Trauma

Absolutely anyone can be psychologically affected by trauma. Whether it’s the sudden death of a loved one, suffering an assault or abuse, losing a job, being in an accident of some kind, being the victim of a crime, or any other type of ordeal, the results can have an effect on one’s mental health or emotional wellbeing. According to our specialized trauma therapist Sian Roberts, “trauma is anything that a person perceives as life-threatening to oneself and/or others and leaves you feeling overwhelmed.”

There are many other, less common situations where someone may be experiencing trauma. Although it is hard to list all of the causes you might experience trauma from, below is an additional list of occurrences where you may be experiencing trauma:

• Concussion trauma
• Natural disasters
• Moving to a new location
• Witnessing a suicide
• Discovering a deceased person
• Surgical trauma
• Serious illnesses
• Past childhood abuse
• Past childhood neglect
• COVID
• And much more

If you have experienced any of the events listed above, you may be experiencing trauma.

Symptoms & signs of trauma

Emotional symptoms

• Shock, denial, confusion
• Lack of self-worth
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Inability to complete normal daily functions
• Withdrawing from others

Physical symptoms

• Sleeplessness
• Sleeping too much
• Lack of energy
• Flashbacks or nightmares of the traumatic incident
• Memory issues
• Aches and pains
• Tense muscles