Trauma is a response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. Traumatic events can include natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist incidents, war, violence, sexual assault, or other threats to a person’s life.
Jonah Engler says that the effects of trauma can be far-reaching and significantly impact every aspect of a person’s life. The physical, psychological, and social consequences of trauma can be profound and long-lasting.
Major Effects of Trauma on Daily Life Elaborated
The effects of trauma can be widespread and long-lasting. They can impact every aspect of a person’s life, from physical health to mental well-being.
Physical Effects of Trauma
Chronic pain
Jonah Engler believes that many people who have experienced trauma suffer from chronic pain. This can be due to physical injuries sustained during the traumatic event, or it may be the result of psychological distress.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of trauma. It can be caused by physical injuries, chronic pain, or sleep problems.
Difficulty sleeping
Trauma can cause difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. This can lead to fatigue and further impairments in concentration and memory.
Problems with concentration and memory
Trauma can cause problems with both short-term and long-term memory. It can also make it difficult to concentrate on tasks.
Headaches and stomachaches
Headaches and stomachaches are common physical symptoms of trauma. They can be caused by physical injuries, psychological distress, or both.
Note: Every person experiences trauma differently, so not everyone will experience all of these symptoms.
Psychological Effects of Trauma
As per Jonah Engler, when a person experiences a traumatic event can have a profound and lasting effect on their mental health. Trauma can cause a range of psychological symptoms, including:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Intrusive thoughts
- Avoidance of people, places or things that remind them of the trauma
- Emotional numbing
- Anxiety and depression
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Sleep problems
- Anger and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
These symptoms can persist for weeks, months or even years after the original trauma occurred. In some cases, they may lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition characterized by ongoing anxiety, intrusive thoughts and avoidance behaviors.
Dealing With Trauma
If you’re struggling to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic experience, you’re not alone. Feeling scared, confused, and overwhelmed is normal after a traumatic event. But there are things you can do to help yourself heal.
Here’s what Jonah Engler recommends for people to do who are dealing with the effects of trauma:
- ● Give yourself time to grieve. It’s essential to allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions you’re experiencing. Don’t try to bottle up your feelings or pretend they don’t exist. Find a support group or counsellor to help you talk through your experience and begin the healing process.
- Talk about your experience. It can be helpful to share your story with someone who understands and supports you. Talking about what happened can help you make sense of it and move on.
- Take care of yourself. Eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising can help your body and mind recover from trauma. Avoid alcohol and drugs, which can make your symptoms worse.
- Give yourself time. Healing from trauma takes time. Be patient with yourself and trust that you will get better in time.