Trauma
Trauma can be the event and the way it makes us feel after the event.
What is trauma?
When we experience or see someone else experience a stressful, frightening or distressing event that is trauma. Trauma can be the event and the way it makes us feel after the event.
When a person has experienced a shocking, unexpected or traumatic incident they might have emotional and physical shock that may last for a long time after the trauma. These reactions are normal, but will be very unique, personal and individual.
Here are some reactions that people can experience after a trauma:
Physical
- Tension in the muscles
- Tiredness & exhaustion
- Little desire to do anything
- Hyperactivity
- Headaches
- Increased, rapid heartbeat
- Other physical pains
Emotional
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Guilt
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Moodiness
- Panic attacks
- Nightmares
- Loss in self-confidence or concentration
Behavioural
- Increased smoking and/or drinking
- Workaholism, or not turning up to work
- Personal neglect
- Nail biting
- Impulsiveness
- Twitches, tapping fingers, etc.
- Changes in eating patterns
Trauma can affect how you feel about yourself and even how you feel about the world. It’s important to remember that trauma reactions are normal, they are not your fault, and there are things that can help.
For more information about how we react to trauma and some of the things that can help, have a look at our self-help guide.
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What next for people with lived experience when the justice process fails?
I usually enjoy my job as a trauma counsellor for SARSAS – it’s a privilege to participate in clients’ recovery journeys. However, I find supporting clients who have had negative experiences while seeking justice some of the saddest journeys, and the ones most likely to invoke my anger at the injustices within this broken system.
