Unfortunately, many people experience traumatic experiences when they’re a child or even adults, and unless they’re processed properly, they can cause all sorts of problems later down the line. However, due to the difficult nature of processing trauma, it often goes unresolved and unnoticed. So, to help you get the support that you may need, here is a list of signs you’re living with unresolved trauma.
Hypervigilance
If you’ve ever noticed yourself being constantly on high alert, even in safe environments, this might be an indicator of unresolved trauma. This heightened state of awareness isn’t just about staying physically safe; it extends to emotional and mental vigilance, too. As WebMD explains, overreacting to minor stimuli or always expecting the worst reflects this ongoing inner turmoil, so if it’s something you notice in yourself, don’t be scared to get help.
Difficulty Trusting Others
It’s very common for trauma victims to have an excessive sense of mistrust, even towards those who have never wronged them. This can stem from past betrayals or hurt, creating a lack of trust that prevents them from forming deep, meaningful connections. Sadly, this can all leave them feeling isolated, misunderstood, and disconnected from people who genuinely care.
Avoidance of Certain Situations
Have you ever noticed that you steer clear of specific places, people, or activities that remind you of past events? This might be a protective mechanism that has arisen from unresolved trauma or even PTSD. While it might seem like a way to keep discomfort at bay, this avoidance only reinforces the grip that past traumas have on your life, limiting your freedom and choices, so it’s best to reach out for help when you feel strong enough.
Emotional Numbness
Another sign that you’re living with unresolved trauma is feeling disconnected from your emotions or experiencing a limited range of feelings, even when presented with things that you feel passionately about. This emotional numbness acts as a defense mechanism, keeping you from fully engaging with life’s ups and downs. It might provide temporary relief but often leads to feeling disconnected from yourself.
Flashbacks or Intrusive Memories
Persistent memories or flashbacks that disrupt your day-to-day activities can also point to traumatic experiences that were never resolved. These involuntary recollections are more than just painful memories; they can feel as vivid and distressing as when the event originally occurred. Sadly, this persistent intrusion into your thoughts can make it hard to move forward.
Difficulty Sleeping
If you struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or experience nightmares regularly, this might be linked to past traumatic experiences. The mind and body remain on high alert, even long after the event occurred, making rest difficult, sometimes for years. Sleep disturbances like these can severely impact your overall health, leaving you exhausted and less able to cope with daily challenges, so it’s well worth getting them investigated by a therapist as soon as possible.
Chronic Anxiety
Anyone who constantly feels anxious or uneasy without a clear reason is likely to be suffering from deeper unresolved issues. This ongoing sense of dread or nervousness goes beyond typical worries and can manifest physically through tension, rapid heart rate, or an upset stomach. It’s a sign that your body is stuck in a fight-or-flight response, so don’t just ignore it.
Overreacting to Minor Events
Everyone knows someone who loves to overreact, but if you frequently overreact to seemingly minor situations, like a loud noise or a slight criticism, this might be more than just a quirk. These heightened emotional responses can indicate unresolved trauma, where the mind perceives everyday occurrences as significant threats.
Feeling Overwhelmed Easily
People who suffer from unresolved trauma often find that small tasks and decisions feel impossible, stemming from how they’ve carried unresolved emotional burdens for years, making even the simplest of responsibilities seem insurmountable. It often leaves them feeling stuck, drained, and incapable of managing their own life, which is very hard to deal with.
Difficulty with Boundaries
Ever found that you struggle to set or maintain personal boundaries? Sadly, this is another classic sign of unresolved trauma. It doesn’t matter if it concerns saying yes too often, letting others overstep, or being overly rigid; these boundary issues can reflect past experiences of having your limits ignored or violated.
Self-Sabotaging Behaviors
If you engage in self-destructive actions regularly, such as procrastination, substance abuse, or deliberately undermining your success, this might actually be a coping mechanism rooted in unresolved trauma. Believe it or not, these behaviors often serve as a way to distract from emotional pain or to avoid facing deeper issues. Thankfully, though, simply recognizing this pattern is a step towards healthier choices.
Constantly Seeking Validation
These days, it’s all too common for people to constantly seek validation, but this isn’t just social media’s fault; it can be tied to unresolved emotional wounds. This craving for external validation often masks a deeper feeling of inadequacy or worthlessness that stems from past experiences, ultimately leading to a cycle of dependency on others’ opinions to feel valued or seen.
Low Self-Esteem
Similarly, holding a deep-seated belief that you are not good enough, no matter what you achieve, can indicate unresolved trauma. This low self-esteem often roots itself in past experiences where your worth was questioned or diminished, often by parents. It can affect all areas of life, from career to personal relationships, making it hard to thrive in adulthood.
Difficulty Regulating Emotions
If you frequently find your emotions swinging from one extreme to another, it could be a sign of unresolved trauma. Difficulty regulating feelings can manifest as intense mood swings, anger outbursts, or sudden sadness. This lack of control often reflects past experiences where emotions were overwhelming or disregarded.
Feeling Detached from Reality
When people experience moments where life feels surreal or they feel disconnected from their surroundings, this shouldn’t just be brushed off. Dissociation is often linked to unresolved trauma, serving as an abstract form of mental escape from distressing thoughts or memories.
Physical Symptoms with No Clear Cause
Another common sign that unresolved trauma is weighing on your mind is if you have unusual physical symptoms such as chronic pain, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues without a medical explanation. These physical ailments often reflect the body’s response to ongoing stress and unresolved emotions, signaling that the trauma hasn’t just stayed in the past; it’s affecting your present well-being.
Fear of Abandonment
An overwhelming fear of being left alone or abandoned can stem from past traumatic experiences, potentially driving you to cling to unhealthy relationships or avoid forming connections altogether. It often leads to behaviors aimed at preventing loss, even if those actions aren’t in your best interest, which really isn’t healthy. So, if this sounds familiar to you, it might be worth speaking to a psychologist.
Overworking or Perfectionism
Finally, it’s astoundingly common for trauma victims to constantly push themselves to be perfect or work excessively, which is incredibly hard on them. This relentless drive often masks feelings of inadequacy or a desire to prove their worth. While it might lead to temporary success, the underlying stress and self-criticism can be exhausting and unsustainable, eventually leading to burnout and the resurfacing of distressing feelings.