The living legacy of trauma
Trauma expert Janina Fisher calls the consequences of trauma also ‘the living legacy of trauma.’ In her book of the same name, she says about this:
“What most people don't know is that a traumatic event isn't over as soon as it has ended, not even when we have survived it.“
The core of trauma is that you continue to be troubled in the present by experiences from the past. Sometimes for years and even decades later. This can take the form of unpleasant memories or persistent tension, but there are many more symptoms and difficulties you can experience as a result of trauma.
Common effects of trauma
Shortly after a major event, it is normal to experience symptoms such as startle reactions, sleep problems, or a feeling of continuous tension. For many people, these reactions diminish naturally in the weeks or months that follow.
However, sometimes symptoms persist longer or even get worse. In that case, there may be trauma-related symptoms, including PTSD. These consequences can be felt immediately, but sometimes they do not appear until months or even years later.
Below you will find an overview of common psychological, emotional, physical, and social consequences of trauma.
Psychological effects of trauma
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty with orientation
- Dissociation
- Hypervigilance
- Memory problems
- Low self-esteem
- Perfectionism
- Compulsory complaintsÂ
- Anxiety symptoms (fear of failure, fear of commitment, fear of abandonment)
- Experiencing different parts within yourself
- A lot of worrying
- Doom-mongering
- Addiction
- Eating disorders
- Psychosis susceptibility
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Dissociative disorder
- Nightmares and flashbacksÂ
Emotional effects of trauma
- Overwhelming emotions
- No or few emotionsÂ
- Gloom and depression
- Feelings of despair and hopelessness
- Fear and panic
- Feelings of shame and guilt
- Distrust
- Indifference
- Anger and rage
- Irritability
Physical effects of trauma
- Increased or decreased heart rateÂ
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Chronic pain
- Breathing problems
- Stomach, intestinal and bladder problems
- Sexual problems
- Chronic fatigue
- Impaired immunity (weakened immune system)
- Experiencing many or few bodily sensations
Social effects of trauma
- Loneliness
- Mistrust towards others
- Fear of abandonment and/or fear of commitment
- Trouble asking for support
- Difficulty accepting support
- Avoiding social situations
A problem as a solution
To deal with the consequences of trauma, you often (unconsciously) develop coping mechanisms. Examples include:
- Use of drugs or alcohol
- Self-harm
- Eating too much or too little
- Working very hard
Although these coping mechanisms can have negative consequences for your health and sometimes even become a problem that you need help with, it is important to recognize that such a coping mechanism has also helped you.
For example, not feeling or thinking as much can be very nice when you are constantly overwhelmed by unpleasant feelings or thoughts.
Do you recognize such a coping mechanism?
Then ask yourself:
- How and with what has specific behavior (also) helped you?
- What might it still help you with?
- What underlying problem is (or was) it a solution for?
The answers to these questions can give you insight into the actual problem you are looking for a solution to. For example, this could be about feeling too much or conversely too little. Constantly having to think about unpleasant memories, or being continually alert and tense.
Coping with the aftermath of trauma
A form of trauma therapy can be helpful (and necessary) to reduce and/or resolve the effects of trauma. Depending on what you are struggling with most, certain forms of treatment are more or less suitable. In the information desk find your explanation of various forms of treatment.Â
Additionally, there are things you can do for yourself to gain a bit more control over your symptoms. At resources you will find various exercises and tools that contribute to greater resilience and regulation.Â
Reading tip
A workbook for traumatized people and therapists
More about this topicÂ
