Trauma and its effects
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In a sentence
Trauma describes going through very stressful, frightening or distressing events, and the effects these can leave behind.
What it can feel like
- Memories or images that come back unexpectedly
- Feeling on guard, jumpy or easily startled
- Feeling numb or disconnected
- Avoiding reminders of what happened
Why it might be happening
Trauma can follow a single event or things that happened over a long time, including in childhood. People respond in many different ways, and there is no right way to feel. Effects can appear straight away or much later.
Things you can try now
- 1Be patient with yourself; these are understandable responses
- 2Keep to simple routines that help you feel steady
- 3Spend time with people who feel safe
- 4Speak to a professional rather than working through painful memories alone
How therapy can help
A psychologist can help you understand what is going on, make sense of it in the context of your life, and try approaches with good evidence behind them. These Abantu psychologists work with this:
Not sure who to choose? We'll help
For family and friends
Listen without rushing to fix it. Ask what would help, and let them know you are there.
Supporting a family member
Related listening
- Grounding with your senses · 0.7 min
If you need help now
Abantu isn't an emergency service. If you or someone else is in danger, call 999. For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or call Samaritans free on 116 123.
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