Traumatic experiences have a profound effect on the way we feel about ourselves and the world. Many people engage in various behaviors to deal with the intensity of their emotions and the painful elements of the traumatic experience. These behaviors can range from avoidant and self-medicating behaviors to compulsive and high-risk behaviors. Others may feel no feelings at all or attempt to deny that they have had such an experience.
Trauma may occur as a one-time event or as a series of events. In some individuals, the experience can be so profound that they display the criteria of post-traumatic stress disorder. But for many, the symptoms may be short-lived and reversible. In other cases, the effects of trauma can be subtle, insidious, and even destructive.
Impact of trauma on physical health
Traumatic events can leave a huge psychological and physical mark. People can become prone to physical illnesses, such as chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, physical illness can also increase anxiety. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the condition of your body and discuss it with your doctor.
Researchers have observed a link between PTSD and poor physical health. In fact, this relationship is most evident when self-reporting is studied. Individuals with PTSD are more likely to report experiencing physical problems than those who have never been exposed to trauma.
Impact of trauma on coping skills
Several studies have examined the impact of trauma on coping skills. One of these studies found that individuals with higher levels of approach coping were more likely to anticipate a traumatic event and seek social support. These findings suggest that approach coping is a mechanism through which trauma exposure is mitigated. It may also play a role in the selection of contexts that are less dangerous.
Traumatic events may be one-time or repetitive, affecting individuals in different ways. While some individuals will show clear signs of posttraumatic stress disorder, many will have a resilient response or experience only short-term subclinical symptoms. Depending on the circumstances of the traumatic event, the impact of trauma on coping skills can range from subtle, self-limiting reactions to profound psychopathology.
Impact of trauma on a person's sense of predictability
People who have experienced trauma need predictability to feel safe and secure. This need for predictability stems from a need to make sense of what happened to them. In order to do this, they often create rigid boundaries around their lives, leaving no room for guesswork and making the outcome predictable.
A person's sense of predictability may be affected by the intentionality of the event. If the harm was intentional, it's more likely that survivors will experience difficulty adjusting. In the beginning, survivors are often disbelieving that someone would intentionally hurt them. They may expend considerable emotional energy trying to fix the situation.
Impact of trauma on one's ability to work
Trauma can affect one's ability to work in a variety of ways. While the effects of workplace violence are more obvious, many less dramatic situations can lead to a greater risk for emotional trauma. This includes job-related stress and demeaning work conditions. It can also be caused by harassment, discrimination, and unclear job expectations. It can also lead to increased conflict and irritability with co-workers.
Trauma can also affect one's physical health. Physical illness or disability caused by trauma can cause feelings of anxiety and stress. It's important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Physical symptoms of trauma can negatively impact one's ability to work, and a GP will be able to provide assistance.
