Traumatic events can lead to maladaptive coping styles. Management of the fear and anxiety through avoidant behaviors is common. Use of substances, isolation, and over working are common maladaptive coping strategies. Dealing with triggers that remind you of the trauma can lead to overwhelming feelings of helpless. In time, untreated trauma can be devastating to your quality of life, relationships and overall well-being.
The personal response pattern to trauma varies among individuals. However, it will likely include emotional, mental, physical, and behavioral factors. Ones’ individual response pattern is a function of past experiences, past coping mechanisms, one’s support system, physical health at time of trauma, belief and value system, and the response of society and others to the traumatic experience.
Common responses are listed below:
Emotional Mental Physical Behavioral
Anxiety Confusion Fatigue Angry Outbursts
Fear Forgetfulness Exhaustion Substance Use
Agitation Difficulty Gastrointestinal Isolation
Irritability concentrating problems Withdrawal
Anger Distractibility Respiratory Restless
Guilt Intrusive thoughts problems Interpersonal problems
Grief/loss Flashbacks Headaches Appetite disturbance
Vulnerability Nightmares Twitching Sleep disturbance
Fragility Obsessing Sweating Change in libido
Disbelief Hypervigilance Dizziness Easily agitated
There are many types of abuse. Abuse can encompass physical abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse or assault. The victim of spousal abuse is often reluctant to admit that abuse has occurred. Often they feel powerless, suffer from low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, and convinced they are incapable of managing their own lives.
When you experience a crisis, assault or trauma your reaction may be influenced by previous unresolved negative experiences. Therefore, not all of what you may be experiencing is due to your most recent trauma. A mental health professional can help work through the past and recent trauma, develop a self-care plan, and become aware of “red flags” that might trigger your trauma response behaviors.