Trauma and toxic stress involve feeling overwhelmed by difficult life experiences that can lead to physical, emotional, and substance use problems.
Trauma is an event or series of events that overwhelm your ability to cope. A traumatic event may include sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, bullying, loss, domestic violence, or the witnessing of violence, war, crime, terrorism, disasters and other forms of victimization. It refers to both the event and an individual's response to it. Everyone experiences, understands, and heals differently; we are unique individuals with our own perspectives, strengths and experiences.
The long term consequences of trauma may be devastating. Symptoms may include:
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Substance use, and other risky behaviors
- Avoidance of trauma reminders
- Changes in the way we think and feel
- Lack of interest in activities
- Emotional numbness or feeling detached from others
- Difficulty remembering traumatic events
- Irritability
- Easily startled
- Difficulty concentrating
- Problems with sleep