The effects of trauma

Traumatic events can include, but are not limited to, exposure to physical assault, sexual violence, a terrorist attack, war, natural or human-made disasters, and serious motor vehicle accidents. Exposure to a traumatic event can lead to the development of various symptoms including:

• Reexperience symptoms, in which the person relives the trauma (such as recurrent, unwanted, upsetting memories of the trauma; recurrent distressing dreams of the trauma);

• Persistent avoidance of things associated with the trauma;

• Negative moods and thoughts that are caused or worsened by the trauma (such as believing the world is a dangerous place and that no one can be trusted; loss of interest in things you use to enjoy; persistent unpleasant emotions); and

• Hyperarousal (such as feeling ‘on guard’ all the time; feeling jumpy or easily startled, difficulty concentrating and difficulty falling or staying asleep).

Symptoms may subside within a few months following exposure to a traumatic event, or they can persist for months or even years. If you are concerned that you may be dealing with the negative effects of trauma, then you may benefit from psychological treatment.