Unresolved Trauma and Getting Help

Dissociation and Lack of Emotion

Some people have intense mood swings as a result of past trauma. Others have the “opposite” issue. It is quite common to find that people who have unresolved trauma also have issues with dissociation and numbness. This is a feeling of being set apart from what is happening in your day-to-day life. 

It could feel like an out-of-body experience, as if you are watching what is happening to you instead of participating in it. As a result, the mind-body connection may be disrupted, and you could have a hard time experiencing positive emotions.

Self Harm Becomes More Common

Destructive behaviors such as self-harm are a part of the usual discussion of unresolved trauma. According to some studies, self-harming behaviors are much more prevalent in people who have experienced specific traumatic events, such as childhood sexual abuse.

Keep in mind that childhood abuse is not the only possible precursor to self-harm, though. Self-injurious and self-destructive behaviors are something anyone can struggle with.

Flashbacks Involuntarily Trigger Reactions

When it comes to your traumatic experiences, you might find that you have repeated intrusive thoughts. These can be triggered by reminders of the event in your everyday life, but this is not always the case.

Instead, some people find that they are triggered by emotions, a certain family member, or certain events that have something in common with the trauma. 

When this happens, you might become stuck in a feedback loop with flashbacks. These are often pain-free, but they can cause you to dissociate further from what is going on in your life. You might see the trauma play out in your mind. 

However, many people also feel the trauma physically in their body as well. This can trigger the same emotions that took place at the point of trauma: extreme fears, anxiety, stress, and more. It might feel as though you are right back in your traumatic experiences, with all of the difficult emotions that it brings to the surface. 

Substance Use Disorder or Co-Occurring Mental Health Concerns

Many people who develop PTSD have one or more co-occurring disorders. Substance use disorders (drug and alcohol abuse) are one prevalent example of this. And, it can be harder to treat one effectively without addressing the other.

Often, substance abuse acts as a form of self-medication for trauma survivors. Like with PTSD, however, drug and alcohol abuse is treatable.

Low Self-Esteem Leads to Poor Relationships

Low levels of self-esteem can lead to broken relationships. You may not feel worthy of close friends or might feel like you are a burden to your support system. While this could not be further from the truth, it is an issue that impacts people with unresolved trauma on a regular basis. 

Unresolved trauma also makes it more likely that you will turn away from a significant relationship with a friend, romantic partner, or another loved one. You might have a hard time trusting them to protect you or to be good to you as a result of traumatic events in your life.

Pushing people away can feel safer and easier. But trauma responses like this tend to leave you feeling isolated. It can become a painful cycle of distressing emotions, loneliness, and even lower self-worth.

Anger Issues and Lack of Emotional Control

For some people, irritability and anger can be a result of traumatic events. Some also have a problem with emotion regulation and mood swings. This can impact not just you, but the people around you.

Seeking help from a mental health professional can help you find coping strategies that work. In turn, how you feel about yourself and your relationships with others can improve.

Inability to Relinquish Control

On the flip side of struggling to control emotional reactions, you might find it hard to relinquish control over certain aspects of your life. There’s a well-known connection between trauma and eating disorders, which can sometimes serve as a way to find control in an out-of-control life.

Of course, this is just one example. The need for control can manifest in various ways, such as perfectionism at work.

Call Icarus Wellness and Recovery for Trauma Support

Learning about the effects unresolved trauma can have on a person’s life can be difficult for survivors. Sometimes, it’s not just emotional pain; it’s also physical health issues, trouble functioning in daily life, activities, and social withdrawal.

The good news is that trauma-informed care can help. At Icarus Wellness and Recovery, we provide evidence-based treatment for PTSD, trauma, mental health conditions, and substance abuse in a supportive environment.

If you are here, it’s not too late. Trauma recovery is possible. Call our admissions line today to find out how our team can help you restore your well-being.