Unfortunately, the aftereffects of a traumatic experience can last long after the fact. And, typically the toxicity of trauma lingers because we let it. It is all too common to allow negative emotions to infiltrate our mind and body and cloud our thinking, so we continue to engage in destructive cycles. When we realize we are the cause of staying stuck, this only serves to make the self-destruction worse.
It is important to acknowledge when we are self-sabotaging our own recovery. Only by accepting that we are responsible for our own healing journey, can we truly embrace the decision to change our lives. This month, we’ll take a closer look at some of the common aftereffects of trauma and how to break free of these once and for all.
Anxiety and mood disorders are extremely common for trauma survivors to experience. It seems only fair to be able to express the frustrations we kept hidden inside for far too long. However, allowing these emotions to infuse chaos into our lives only makes us feel ickier inside. It can also feel unfair to be plagued with mood dysregulation because of something experienced that we didn’t ask for and that was beyond our control, and like it’s easier to simply blame the trauma and embrace it than move past it. When we feel we were unjustly burdened, naturally we feel angry and it is difficult to express this in a healthy way.
Staying angry and letting this manifest in ways that hurt our relationships with others is a self-destructive coping mechanism that will eventually affect our health and happiness irreversibly. That’s why it’s important not only to acknowledge we are unable to control our mood swings, feelings of panic and anxiety, or fits of anger that developed after a traumatic experience, but become determined to break the cycle. This is the first step in the process of letting go.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder and hoarding are also negative manifestations of trauma. It’s important to note that trauma alters brain chemistry and, thus, has an impactful physical effect on the mind and body. This can trigger maladaptive behaviors that serve as an unhealthy way to avoid loneliness, loss, lack of control or feelings of being caught off guard or being unprepared. OCD and hoarding disorders develop when we need to feel in control and protected. Collecting things can begin to serve as a way to feel safe and secure when meaningful relationships with others aren’t available.
Substance use and addictions are other common coping mechanisms trauma sufferers turn to in the aftermath. There is a strong correlation between post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use. Sometimes knowing that we’ve been forever changed, assumingly for the worse, is enough to make us feel so discontented we want to turn off our emotions altogether. The quickest way to numb the pain is by turning to drugs and alcohol. The problem with using substances to cope is that it’s simply unsustainable. Although, in the moment, we might be free from the memories of the trauma we endured, this numbness is fleeting. Over time, the consequences will far outweigh the temporary benefits.
Other addictions, such as problematic food intake, internet use or shopping, can also develop. And addiction is a tough cycle to break. Usually, addicts end up destroying almost every facet of their lives before they realize it’s no way to live.
Substance use and turning to fleeting band-aids to feel better alter brain chemistry, causing irrational thinking and an inability to feel good naturally. More drugs and alcohol are often taken to try to achieve the same effects as was evident in the very beginning to no avail. Soon the body becomes dependent and it’s not longer fun or relieving to engage in the behavior – its scary and dangerous, but still viewed as necessary. Once addiction reaches this point it feels impossible to escape its clutches.
Suicidal thoughts. Trauma can leave us feeling as if there is no way out even when we’ve escaped physically. Mentally, we remain trapped, and turning to self-destructive coping mechanisms only worsens feelings of being alone and unable to get out. This can lead to us to some very dark places if we don’t choose to accept the challenge of taking back our lives.
The good news is that we never have to feel this way. There is hope and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Genuine and sustainable happiness is attainable. But, reaching it takes hard work and a dedication to regain health that we can only offer ourselves. Trauma is hard and letting it go is equally as hard. It takes a willingness to accept the journey as lifelong and to continually renew a daily promise to keep going no matter what.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed here, know you are not alone. No matter how much it may feel like no one will ever understand, there really is a wealth of support available. Often, when you make the decision to reach out to others you’ll instantly be taken aback by the commonalities between your stories and the stories of other trauma survivors. In fact, it would be impossible to list specific symptoms associated with the after-effect if these were not well-known and widely experienced, right?
You are not alone. You are worth it. And, today is the day you should let yourself know you are. Even if you don’t feel it. Even if it feels impossible to start – start. Start right where you are regardless of where that may be and work your way out of that self-inflicted mental prison. You are responsible for own your happiness and achieving this has to start with you.