Recognizing if you have experienced trauma and its impact on your well-being can be a complex process. It is highly nuanced and still a relatively new topic in medicine.

It is now agreed upon in the medical community that PTSD does not discriminate and is prevalent across all demographics. It was once thought to mainly affect war veterans who served in combat or the severely physically or sexually abused.

The information era, modern science, and social media has led to a greater awareness of mental health issues. This is helpful in destigmatizing mental health, increased diagnosis, and overall promoting self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

While there are many benefits of increased public awareness of trauma and PTSD, it is advised to use discretion when doing medical research.

Trauma can manifest in various ways and affect individuals differently. Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of trauma:

1. Intrusive Memories or Flashbacks: Recurring distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks related to a past traumatic event can be a sign of trauma. These memories may be triggered by certain reminders or situations.
   
   
2. Avoidance: Avoiding people, places, activities, or conversations that remind you of the traumatic event can be a coping mechanism. This may involve avoiding situations that evoke distressing emotions or memories associated with the trauma.
   
   
3. Emotional Distress: Experiencing intense or prolonged emotional distress such as fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, shame, or guilt that is difficult to manage or regulate. You may find yourself feeling overwhelmed by emotions without a clear cause.
   
   
4. Hyperarousal and Hypervigilance: Feeling constantly on edge, easily startled, or having difficulty relaxing or sleeping. Hyperarousal can manifest as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a heightened startle response.
   
   
5. Negative Changes in Cognition and Mood: Experiencing negative changes in your thought patterns, beliefs, and self-perception. This may include negative self-talk, distorted thinking, feelings of detachment or estrangement, persistent negative emotions, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, or a sense of hopelessness.
   
   
6. Physical Symptoms: Trauma can be associated with various physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, fatigue, or changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
   
   
7. Relationship Difficulties: Struggles with forming and maintaining healthy relationships, trust issues, fear of intimacy, or difficulties with emotional connection may be indicative of underlying trauma.
   
   

It is important to note that trauma can have a wide range of effects, and everyone’s experience is unique. Treatment will vary from person to person, though one commonality is being a focus on the nervous system and how it can be supported and regulated safely and efficiently. Ask your health care professional how hypnotherapy can support you along your journey to well-being.

*If you would like more information on how it can help you, email, text, or call. Free 15 minute phone consultations available.

This article is not intended to diagnose or be used as a medical source in any way. It is merely a guide to bring awareness and conversation to an extremely prevalent topic. Use it as an introduction to the topic and always consult with a health care professional for proper diagnostic and treatment.