How to recognise the signs of trauma
Recognising the signs of trauma can help provide better support for people who may be struggling. Trauma can manifest in different ways, from emotional, physical, behavioural, to cognitive. These can disrupt a person’s life and stop them from enjoying work or day-to-day activities.
What are the emotional signs?
The person may appear consistently on edge or overly worried about specific situations. They may display rapid shifts in mood, such as anger, sadness, or irritability. A person may seem emotionally distant from family and friends or withdrawn from relationships and activities they once enjoyed.
What are the physical signs?
A person can experience a range of physical symptoms such as insomnia, nightmares, or an inability to stay asleep during the night. Unexplained aches and pains in the body, fatigue, headaches, or stomach problems may also result from the stress. There may be changes in the appetite such as eating too much or too little. A person may also appear jumpy or reactive to sounds or movements. Trauma informed practice training helps professionals create supportive environments by recognising the impact of trauma and promoting safety, empathy, and recovery for people in their care. Professionals offer training in this area and you can visit Tidal Training for information on the various courses available.
What are the behavioural signs?
The person may avoid places, people, or topics that remind them of the trauma. Increased use of alcohol or drugs can sometimes mask the pain or stress someone is experiencing. Engaging in self-harm or other dangerous activities could also indicate unresolved trauma. According to Healthline, by the age of 16, more than two-thirds of children have experienced at least one traumatic event, as reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
What are the cognitive signs?
Difficulty remembering details of the traumatic event or of everyday tasks is one of the cognitive signs. Persistent negative thoughts about oneself, the world, or others is another sign. Other signs include recurrent memories of the traumatic experience. If you suspect trauma in someone else, offering a compassionate, nonjudgmental space can help in encouraging recovery.
