Unhealed trauma can manifest through a variety of signs and symptoms, affecting an individual’s emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. Recognizing these signs is crucial for seeking appropriate help and beginning the healing process.

Common signs of unhealed trauma include…

Emotional and Psychological Symptoms

• Persistent Sadness or Depression – Long-term feelings of sadness or hopelessness that don’t seem to improve.
• Anxiety – Constant or overwhelming feelings of anxiety, often not tied to any specific threat.
• Flashbacks and Nightmares – Reliving the traumatic event through flashbacks or experiencing frequent nightmares.
• Avoidance – Actively avoiding places, people, or activities that remind you of the trauma, which can lead to social isolation.
• Emotional Numbness – Feeling detached from emotions or finding it hard to experience joy or happiness.
• Anger and Irritability – Experiencing frequent anger, irritability, or mood swings that seem disproportionate to the situation.
• Guilt and Shame – Carrying feelings of guilt or shame related to the trauma, often accompanied by thoughts of self-blame.
• Trust Issues – Difficulty trusting others, leading to challenges in forming or maintaining relationships.

Physical Symptoms

• Hypervigilance – Being in a constant state of alertness to danger, which can lead to exhaustion.
• Startle Response – An exaggerated startle response to loud noises or unexpected events.
• Somatic Complaints – Experiencing unexplained physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive issues, or chronic pain.
• Sleep Disturbances – Problems with falling or staying asleep, or experiencing restlessness.

Behavioral Changes

• Substance Abuse – Using alcohol or drugs in an attempt to self-medicate or escape from memories of the trauma.
• Self-Harming Behaviors – Engaging in self-harm as a way to cope with emotional pain.
• Withdrawal from Activities – Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable or withdrawing from social interactions.

Cognitive and Perceptual Changes

• Difficulty Concentrating – Finding it hard to focus on tasks or remember things.
• Sense of a Foreshortened Future – A belief that one will not have a normal lifespan, career, marriage, or children.
• Altered Sense of Reality – Feeling disconnected from oneself or the world, a symptom known as dissociation.

Recognizing these signs in yourself or someone you know can be the first step toward seeking help. Understand that healing from trauma is possible with the right support and interventions, such as therapy (including trauma-focused therapies like EMDR), medication, and community support resources. A mental health professional can provide a safe space to explore these symptoms and work on a personalized plan for recovery.