Trauma is a powerful force that can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life. When an individual experiences a traumatic event, it can create deep emotional wounds that can be difficult to heal. Even when the event itself is over, the trauma can linger, affecting a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors for years to come. In some cases, the trauma may remain unresolved, leading to a range of hidden effects that can impact a person’s health as well as relationships.
In this article, we’ll explore the concept of unresolved trauma and its hidden effects.
What is Unresolved Trauma?
Unresolved trauma refers to trauma that has not been adequately processed or healed.
Some may be able to process the traumatic experience and move on with their lives, however, others might find it difficult. This may be due to a range of factors, including the severity of the trauma, the person’s age and developmental stage at the time of the trauma, and the availability of support and resources to help the person process the trauma.
When a person experiences trauma, their brain and body go into survival mode. The brain releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body to respond to the threat. This can lead to physical sensations such as increased heart rate, sweating, and shallow breathing. While this response is necessary at the moment, it can also have long-term negative effects on the physical and mental well-being of a person if the trauma is not processed and resolved.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 7.2% of adults in the U.S. went through a major depressive episode, 19.1% of Americans say that they’ve suffered from anxiety at some point in their lives and 3.6% of Americans are currently living with PTSD.
Effects of Unresolved Trauma
Unresolved trauma can have a wide range of hidden effects on a person’s mental and physical health, as well as their relationships and overall quality of life. Some of these effects may include:
- Physical Symptoms: Unresolved trauma can cause physical symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, headaches, and digestive problems. These symptoms can be difficult to diagnose and treat, as they often have no apparent medical cause.
- Emotional Dysregulation: Unresolved trauma can cause emotional dysregulation, which can lead to mood swings, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. People with unresolved trauma may have difficulty regulating their emotions, and may experience intense emotions that seem to come out of nowhere.
- Substance Abuse: Unresolved trauma can increase the risk of substance abuse, as people may use drugs or alcohol to cope with their emotional pain. This can lead to addiction and other health problems.
- Relationship Problems: Unresolved trauma can impact a person’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. They may struggle with trust, intimacy, and communication, and may have difficulty setting boundaries.
- Self-Harm: Unresolved trauma can increase the risk of self-harm, as people may use self-injury as a way to cope with emotional pain. This can lead to serious physical harm and may require medical attention.
- Low Self-Esteem: Unresolved trauma can impact a person’s self-esteem, as they may blame themselves for the traumatic event or feel ashamed of their reactions to it. This can lead to feelings of worthlessness and a lack of confidence.
- Flashbacks and Triggers: Unresolved trauma can cause flashbacks and triggers, which can be extremely distressing. People with unresolved trauma may experience flashbacks of the traumatic event, or may be triggered by things that remind them of it.
- Hypervigilance: Unresolved trauma can cause hypervigilance, which is a state of heightened alertness and sensitivity to potential threats. People with unresolved trauma may be easily startled or feel constantly on edge.
- Dissociation: Unresolved trauma can cause dissociation, which is a feeling of being disconnected from oneself or from reality. People with unresolved trauma may experience dissociation as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or memories.
A Final Verdict-:
Seeking professional help can be beneficial when you find getting out of trauma difficult to do by yourself. Trauma therapy provides you with the tools you need to cope with the effects of the traumatic event, improving your ability to function in daily life as well as managing emotions.
