4 signs you may be impacted by trauma without even realizing it.

Many of us may be under the impression that to actually be impacted by trauma, we have to display typical symptoms of PTSD - things like flashbacks, being on edge all the time, intrusive thoughts… the list goes on.

I’m here to tell that you that you can be not displaying any formal symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and still be impacted by trauma.

Yet, some of the ways trauma may be manifesting in your body, emotions, or relationships may be difficult to identify as being “trauma-related.”

While not comprehensive by any means, here are some signs that you may be experiencing the impact of trauma.

You notice that you:

• Have trouble making decisions - you find it difficult to trust your own judgment to make the best decision.

• Find it difficult opening up to new people - it may feel scary, or even futile, to try to open up to new people.

• Avoid conflict and please to keep the peace - although internally you may have strong opinions, you find yourself stuffing them down for the sake of not rocking the boat.

• Intellectualize your emotions - you mainly experience your emotions by thinking about/justifying them, as opposed to experiencing them as a fully embodied experience.

If this resonates with you, you aren’t crazy!

Your experience is valid, even if you don’t meet a set of man-made criteria and you deserve to feel better.

These patterns have likely developed as highly sophisticated ways to protect yourself, even if these patterns feel like they are now holding you back.

If this post resonated with you, I’d invite you to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with me. I’d love to talk with you about working together to help you start experiencing new ways of living and being.

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Erin Drum, LCSW, is a mental health therapist in Salt Lake City, Utah who provides EMDR and IFS to help clients find inner peace and acceptance.