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5 signs you have experienced trauma

Your reactions deserve understanding, not judgment.

Learning about this topic can help you make sense of changes in sleep, mood, concentration, relationships, or your sense of safety.

Created by Tim Francis, SUD and Mental Health Content Specialist

Updated

You remain in control of what happens next. If support feels right, call Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554 for a private, conversation.

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Original article

Yes. 5 signs may lessen naturally, continue, or become noticeable later. Learning about trauma and stressor-related concerns and trauma-focused therapy can help you understand these changes and recognize when added care may be useful.

Trauma is a response to a stressful and disturbing situation. It can overpower your ability to cope and causes feelings of helplessness and disillusionment. Some traumas do not involve bodily harm and include divorce or infidelity. However, a person can still show signs of trauma regardless of its size.

On the other hand, certain trauma involves extraordinary experiences that cause a significant amount of distress. Most people who undergo such experiences turn to other methods that help them cope. At times, it is hard to determine whether one has trauma, especially in small trauma cases. If you need a women’s trauma treatment program, contact the team at Women’s Recovery today at 833.754.0554.

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Women’s Recovery in Colorado

Our mental health treatment center is all about removing the barriers that impede women from successful recovery journeys. Our team ensures that you get the care best suited to your needs. What sets us apart is the fact that we not only treat your addiction but also help you deal with underlying causes.

Women’s Recovery understands that trauma regrettably leads to drug use. Many women who use drugs experienced trauma at some point in their lives. This issue is why our facility incorporates a thorough trauma therapy program that helps you deal with both situations. We also have other programs such as:

  • Depression treatment program
  • Nutrient therapy program
  • PTSD treatment program
  • Neurofeedback treatment program

Our treatment facility also offers dual diagnosis treatment options that help solve more than two problems. For most women, drug use is often caused by an underlying problem. This treatment accords you the chance of getting tangible solutions by deeply tackling those intense underlying difficulties.

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Five Signs of Trauma

Early childhood trauma, in most cases, has a long-lasting effect and seeps into adulthood. There are many signs of trauma that can go unnoticed. Without treatment, the person may start practicing destructive behavioral patterns to cope with the situation. It is vital to detect these signs that pave the way for help.

Some of the signs include:

Cognitive Issues

These include mood swings, loss of memory, and constant images of the events. Typically, an individual exhibits such behaviors, bringing a substantial difference in their lives. One minute they may be laughing, and in the next, they enter into an almost trance situation that takes them back to that moment.

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Behavioral Issues

At times you may feel like you do not want to associate with people. On occasion, you may realize that there are activities you loved but now loath. Also, it may be that you do not want to meet certain people or go to various places as they trigger sad emotions.

Physical Issues

In cases involving sexual assault, you may find that you have sexual dysfunction. You may also experience insomnia as sleep patterns change, and you frequently find yourself awake at odd hours. Fatigue, constant exhaustion, and headaches are also signs that you underwent a traumatic experience.

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Psychological Issues

After an agonizing experience, you may find that you are constantly in a state of overwhelming fear. Additionally, it is possible that you will feel depressed. Irritability, anxiety, and panic attacks are also common emotions that point to traumatic events.

Emotional Issues

It may become hard for you to have emotional connections as you used to after going through a distressing situation. This issue may be because you are trying to avoid these feelings due to a lack of trust in people.

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Find Our Excellent Trauma Therapy Program in Colorado

We understand the unfortunate effect of trauma and have a plan to help you. At Women’s Recovery, we dedicate ourselves to providing you with ultimate care and help you deal with your various signs of trauma. Contact Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554 to help you deal with trauma and let us help you find your best self.

Common questions

Explore articles on mental health and substance use and mental health treatment for women in Denver for related guidance. Call admissions when you want to discuss your own situation.

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01 When should I consider professional help for trauma reactions?

Consider professional help if reactions do not improve, become more intense, or interfere with sleep, work, relationships, concentration, routines, or your sense of connection. Care can help clarify what is happening and address related anxiety, depression, panic, physical distress, or substance use while respecting your choices and pace.

02 Do nightmares or flashbacks always mean I have PTSD?

No. Nightmares, intrusive memories, and flashbacks can occur after trauma, but individual symptoms do not establish PTSD. Diagnosis depends on the combination, duration, cause, and daily impact of symptoms across four groups. A qualified mental health professional can assess those factors and help identify care appropriate to your experience.

03 How can I support a woman who may be struggling after trauma?

Offer steady, nonjudgmental connection and respect her decisions about what she shares and what help she wants. Supportive relationships can aid coping, while pressure or comparisons may increase isolation. If distress is disrupting daily life, you can gently encourage qualified care and offer to remain present as she considers her options.

04 What can help with coping after a traumatic event?

Helpful coping may include supportive time with trusted people, regular meals, movement and sleep routines, mindfulness or other stress-reducing activities, and realistic goals focused on what feels manageable. Avoiding alcohol or drugs as coping tools can prevent added difficulties. Persistent or disruptive symptoms deserve professional attention, not self-blame.

05 What should I do if trauma-related distress becomes a safety crisis?

If you or someone you love has thoughts of suicide or is struggling in a crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. In a life-threatening situation, call 911. For a non-emergency conversation, contact Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554 or visit 3801 E Florida Ave, Ste 650, Denver, CO 80210.

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Supporting health information

Read how we select health information sources and apply the Women’s Recovery editorial policy. These references provide general education and context; they do not establish an individual diagnosis, service, or treatment recommendation.

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