You may have wondered if your past traumatic experiences have any effect on the levels of anxiety you experience today.  You are correct.  Traumatic experiences that people endure are often linked to anxiety-like symptoms, especially if it is unresolved trauma.  

Trauma is a negative experience that is highly disturbing or distressing.  Some examples of traumatic experiences might include witnessing and/ or experiencing war, abuse, accidents, natural disasters, death, and more. There are levels of intensity based on the nature of the trauma. For example, someone who witnessed a traumatic event vs. someone who experienced it first-hand will likely experience varying degrees of symptoms.

It is particularly common for people not to process their experiences, as they might feel intense distress, guilt, sadness, anger, and confusion. These are just a few of the emotions people may experience as a result of trauma. Due to the intensity of the emotions, it is common for people to isolate and withdraw. I always explain trauma in terms of visualizing a distressing memory and putting it in a closed box that you put on shelf in the back of your closet.  That memory might be hidden and far away, but it’s always there, and we hold it in our body. If the distressing memory has not been processed through therapy or talked about it in depth with people you trust, it might look like any of the following:

·        feeling “on edge” or restless

·        headaches

·        difficulty staying or falling asleep

·        nightmares

·        stomachaches

·        disassociation

·        chronic pain

So how is this linked to anxiety?

In a typical stress response, our brain will signal us into “fight, flight, or freeze” mode until the stressor has subsided and we will return to normal functioning.  However, when we experience a traumatic experience with a higher level of pro-longed stress, we remain in this “fight, flight, or freeze” mode.  Therefore, when we approach new situations, our body remains in this stressful state. Over time, this prolonged level of intensity can cause increased anxiety and sometimes lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Below are some common symptoms of anxiety that you might experience as a result of a traumatic event.  You might notice that the above trauma symptoms look similar.

·        feeling “on edge” or restless

·        difficulty staying or falling asleep

·        nightmares

·        excessive worry

·        avoidance of people, places, and objects that might be considered a “reminder” of the trauma

·        intrusive thoughts

·        panic attacks

·        physical symptoms: excessive sweating, difficulty catching breath, nausea, headaches

·        crying more than normal

What do I do to lessen my anxiety and trauma?

It is encouraged to manage anxiety symptoms by engaging in some of the following coping strategies:

·        practicing mindfulness and grounding techniques that focus on the 5 senses (touch, sight, hearing, smelling, and taste)

·        practicing breathing strategies (ie: infinity breathing, box breathing, 4-7-8 breath)

·        engaging in some form of physical activity or exercise

·        journaling or writing a letter

·        practicing gratitude

·        taking a break

·        using a stress ball or fidget

The following can also help with managing overall anxiety:

·        limiting caffeine and alcohol

·        engaging in some form of physical activity or exercise for 30 minutes a day

·        getting an adequate amount of sleep

·        eating healthy

·        drinking enough water

·        talking to someone about your emotions

Are you interested in Anxiety Therapy?

For trauma, it is important to process through your experiences in a healthy way.  You might want to seek help from a mental health professional.  Not everyone will need treatment, however if your symptoms are affecting your daily life, it might be beneficial to engage in some therapy.  If you are interested in learning more about how to manage your anxiety or process trauma, reach out to a provider today and set up a free consultation for anxiety therapy.