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Symptoms

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Traumatic eventsare scary, dangerous, or shocking experiences that affect us physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, or socially.Examples of traumatic events include natural disasters, wars, terrorist attacks, mass shootings, serious illnesses, car accidents, workplace accidents, rape, abuse, and other experiences that affect our sense of well-being.

Trauma affects us in various ways. In the short term, it can cause emotional reactions such as terror, confusion,shock, isolation, and dissociation, whereas in the long run, it can affect our behavior, mental state, and ability to function.

Trauma can also put the body in a state of stress and causes physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, headaches, nausea, digestive difficulties, poor sleep quality, and a tendency to startle easily.

Unresolved trauma causes the person to experience disruptive physical and emotional reactions in the present as their body and mind continue to defend against a threat that belongs in the past, Dr. Zackson explains.

This article explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of unresolved trauma.

The Best Online Trauma Therapy, Tried and Tested

Symptoms of Unresolved Trauma

These are some of the common symptoms of unresolved trauma, according to Dr. Zackson:

Unresolved trauma is an invisible illness. To others, you may seem fine, but in reality, you are stuck in the past, battling emotional and physical symptoms that make it challenging to live a quality life, says Dr. Zackson.

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Causes of Unresolved Trauma

Judith Zackson, PhDThe problem is that buried trauma doesn’t go away. It remains and continues to grow, until ultimately, it surfaces in unexpected and disproportionate ways.

Judith Zackson, PhD

The problem is that buried trauma doesn’t go away. It remains and continues to grow, until ultimately, it surfaces in unexpected and disproportionate ways.

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Impact of Unresolved Trauma

“Essentially, the survivor’s energy is geared toward remaining in control at the cost of living a spontaneous and enjoyable life. The impact can be broken relationships, stalled careers, substance use, and other physical and emotional symptoms,” says Dr. Zackson.

Dr. Zackson notes that unresolved trauma can also be passed down generations to one’s children and grandchildren.

Understanding Intergenerational Trauma and Its Effects on Mental Health

Diagnosing Unresolved Trauma

Treating Unresolved Trauma

Treating unresolved trauma is important, because without treatment and healthycoping skills, it’s likely that it will never be fully resolved.

Below, Dr. Zackson outlines the therapeutic process of treating unresolved trauma and the different forms oftherapythat may be helpful.

Press Play for Advice on Healing From Trauma

Therapeutic Process

Treatment for unresolved trauma begins with creating a safe and nurturing environment where the survivor feels safe enough to process the trauma that has been repressed and pushed into the ‘black box’.

The clinician carefully and safely opens this ‘box,’ allowing patients to become aware of their experiences. The clinician works with the patient to develop a perspective on and integrate their inner experiences into their life.

There is no specific time frame for recovery from unresolved trauma. However, the good news is thathealing from traumais not an endpoint; survivors are capable of far more than merely healing. They can look back on their traumatic experience and learn that they are stronger than they ever imagined. With a strong mentality and supportive environment, they can transform trauma and pain into resilience and growth.

Types of Therapy

Grounding Techniques for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Get Help NowWe’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.

Get Help Now

We’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.

A Word From Verywell

If you have experienced a traumatic incident, it’s important to address it and take steps toward healing. Otherwise, it may have detrimental effects on several aspects of your life.

Therapy with ahealthcare provider who specializes in treating traumacan provide a safe space for you to explore your experiences, process your emotions, and developcoping skills.

Crisis SupportIf you or a loved one are struggling with trauma contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.988

Crisis Support

If you or a loved one are struggling with trauma contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with trauma contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

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How to Find Emotional Healing

20 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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