It’s estimated that 60% of adults in the United States have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives. And of those adults, 20% will go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can have a huge impact on every area of your life, from work and relationships to your physical health and wellbeing. Even if you don’t develop PTSD, unresolved trauma can still take a toll. Here are some of the side effects of living with unresolved trauma, and incentive to consider trauma workshops in Canberra if you feel that the experience would benefit you.
- Difficulty Regulating Emotions
If you’ve experienced trauma, you may find it harder to control your emotions. You may feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster, going from feeling happy and healthy one minute to feeling completely overwhelmed the next. This can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships and can lead to problems at work or school.
- Isolation & Loneliness
It’s not unusual for people who have experienced trauma to feel isolated and alone. You may withdraw from friends and family or stop participating in activities you once enjoyed. This isolation can compound the effects of trauma, making it even harder to cope.
- Persistent Fear & Anxiety
For many people, living with unresolved trauma means living in a constant state of fear and anxiety. This can manifest itself in different ways, such as always feeling on edge or being unable to shake the feeling that something bad is going to happen. This persistent fear can make it hard to function in everyday life.
- Difficulty Concentrating
If you’re living with unresolved trauma, you may find it hard to concentrate or pay attention. Your mind may be preoccupied with memories of the traumatic event, or you may be constantly on guard, which can make it difficult to focus on anything else. This can lead to problems at work or school and can make it hard to enjoy leisure activities.
- Trouble Sleeping
It’s not uncommon for people with unresolved trauma to have trouble sleeping. You may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, which can leave you feeling exhausted during the day. This fatigue can make it even harder to cope with the other side effects of unresolved trauma.
Trauma is a difficult thing to live with, but there is help available
If you’re struggling to cope with the after-effects of trauma, it’s important that you reach out for assistance from a mental health professional today.
