People respond in various ways following a traumatic experience, like sexual assault, combat, accidents, childhood abuse, mass violence, or losing a loved one. However, the common responses include intense and unpredictable feelings of nervousness, anxiousness, and irritability. Your thoughts and behavior patterns may also change, and you may think about the event out of the blue, which can cause panic attacks, a rapid heartbeat, and sweating.
Environmental factors may trigger panic attacks. Depending on the nature of the traumatic event, common triggers include loud noises, sirens, and sounds like a car engine misfiring. All of these can stimulate memories of the event and fear of recurrence.
Traumatic stress often affects interpersonal relationships. You may experience increased conflicts with friends, family, and colleagues, and in cases where the traumatic event involved sexual abuse, a strenuous relationship with your partner. Lastly, the trauma may manifest physically as frequent headaches, nausea, back pain, and chest pain. These can require medical attention to alleviate. Also, traumatic stress exacerbates pre-existing conditions like cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, and cancer.
Psychologists and psychiatrists recommend several measures to deal with traumatic stress. One involves leaning on loved ones for support. The support includes listening, discussing the event, and assisting with daily activities like house chores, babysitting, and driving. However, the road to healing starts with facing your feelings and fears.
While it’s normal to experience the aforementioned signs and symptoms, deliberately oversleeping, avoiding people, and substance abuse only prolong the stress. Other than taking steps to ease back into a routine, prioritize extra self-care habits like healthy nutrition, exercise, and sufficient sleep.
Dr. Robert Kohn 