Common Reactions to Trauma

Reactions to trauma may last for days, weeks or even longer. It is normal to have strong emotional or physical reactions following a distressing or frightening event. In fact, these feelings are part of the healing process. However, the good news is that there are many strategies to help people cope with and recover from these experiences.

The way a person reacts to trauma will depend on many things, such as the type and severity of the event, the support the person has, other stresses in their lives, their personality, their ability to cope, and past trauma experiences. Common reactions include a range of physical, cognitive (thinking) and emotional factors. These reactions are normal and show how the event has affected the person. Understanding this is the first step in coming to terms with what has happened.

Common Symptoms

If the symptoms listed below are not too severe or lasting too long, they are considered normal reactions to trauma. While distressing, symptoms usually settle quickly for most people. With the support and understanding of friends, family and colleagues, symptoms usually resolve more rapidly.

Physical reactions can include fatigue or exhaustion; sleep issues; nausea; bad dreams; restlessness; headaches; and being easily startled.

Mental and emotional reactions can include poor concentration; frequent memories of the event; disorientation; fear; numbness; low mood; guilt; irritability; anxiety; and tearfulness.

Behavioural reactions can include avoidance of reminders of the event; inability to stop thinking about the event; getting immersed in work for recovery; loss of normal routines; and struggling with additional tasks.

Recovering from Trauma

It is normal to have strong reactions following a distressing or frightening event, but these should begin to reduce after a few weeks.

After a distressing event, some people find their reactions are serious and do not gradually subside after a month. Severe, prolonged reactions can be disabling and affect a person’s relationships and work. Such reactions may indicate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this condition, the impact of the event continues to cause high levels of stress. PTSD requires professional attention to help understand what is preventing recovery and address the obstacles to aid psychological improvement. There are many things you can do to cope with and recover from trauma. To discuss treatment options, book with one of our clinicians.

Read More in our article on EMDR