The Shadow Of Ongoing Trauma – Common Emotional Symptoms

When someone has experienced ongoing trauma, the effects are far reaching & deeply impactful.  Trauma affects our mind & body. Today, we will explore some of the common emotional symptoms that victims of abuse may experience after trauma.

Each individual’s experience with trauma is unique, & not everyone will exhibit the same symptoms.  They also may vary in intensity & duration. 

Anxiety is a common emotional symptom experienced by abuse victims.  It manifests as a persistent feeling of unease, worry, & apprehension.  Victims may find themselves constantly on edge, anticipating danger & feeling a sense of impending doom.  This heightened state of anxiety is exhausting, making it difficult to relax.  Simple tasks like going to the grocery store or attending social gatherings can become overwhelming.  Anxiety also often leads to physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, & trembling.  It’s important to recognize that anxiety is not a choice or a sign of weakness; it is a natural response to trauma.

Hyper vigilance is another emotional symptom that abuse victims often experience.  It involves an extreme state of heightened awareness, constant scanning for potential threats, being constantly on guard, unable to let one’s guard down.  This hyper vigilance stems from the need to protect oneself after enduring traumatic experiences & having to anticipate the ever changing moods of narcissists.  It manifests in various ways, such as being easily startled, having difficulty concentrating, or experiencing intrusive thoughts & memories related to the trauma.  Victims struggle to trust others & may have a heightened startle response to unexpected noises or movements. 

Depression is a common emotional symptom that often accompanies ongoing trauma.  It involves a profound sense of sadness, emptiness, & hopelessness.  Victims lose interest in activities they once enjoyed & find it challenging to experience pleasure or joy.  Depression can also manifest physically, with survivors experiencing aches, pains, & a general sense of malaise.  Depression can be debilitating, affecting all aspects of a person’s life.

One of the most difficult challenges victims face is the feeling of disconnection from others.  They feel as though they are a burden to others. 

Additionally, victims often experience changes in sleep patterns.  They may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to fatigue & a lack of energy. 

Irritability is a common emotional symptom experienced & can manifest as heightened sensitivity, anger, & frustration.  Frequently, even minor annoyances or inconveniences trigger intense reactions.  Victims may have a short fuse & struggle to control their anger or irritation.  Irritability often stems from being in a constant state of tension & hyper-vigilance.  The nervous system is on high alert, making them more prone to overreacting to perceived threats. 

Moreover, victims may direct their anger & frustration towards themselves, blaming themselves for the trauma or for their perceived inability to move on.  This misdirected anger further damages their self esteem & hinders their healing.  It’s important to have patience & compassion with victims, recognizing that their irritability is a symptom rather than a reflection of their character.

Anger is closely related to irritability, & can manifest as a deep-seated rage, a simmering resentment, or explosive outbursts.  Victims may feel angry at their abusers, at themselves for not being able to prevent the trauma, or at the world for allowing such pain to exist.  It’s not a sin but a natural response to the injustices & violations victims endure.  It serves as a protective mechanism, helping people to recognize problems, assert boundaries & reclaim their power.  However, unprocessed anger can become destructive, both to victims & those close to them.

The emotional symptoms victims experience after trauma are a testament to the profound impact abuse can have on one’s psyche.  By shedding light on these common emotional symptoms, we can create a more compassionate society.  It is our collective responsibility to provide victims with the resources & support they need to heal & rebuild their lives, & to create a world where victims are treated with love rather than ignorance.