Life can sometimes be complicated, and we may experience stressful and confusing events. Highly stressful events are known as traumas; traumas are usually situations where someone was abused, hurt, or killed, or thought they could have been. Traumas can cause a lot of feelings, including confusion, being terrified, overwhelmed, helpless, angry, and numb. Trauma can make maintaining relationships, jobs, or dealing with everyday situations difficult. For some people, trauma is obvious, and they understand how and when their trauma occurred. They may be reliving those moments of trauma often without trying, and memories feel “stuck” or intrusive.

Emotional and psychological symptoms of trauma include:

• Shock, denial, or disbelief
• Confusion, difficulty concentrating
• Anger, irritability, mood swings
• Anxiety and fear
• Guilt, shame, self-blame
• Withdrawing from others
• Feeling sad or hopeless
• Feeling disconnected or numb

Therapy can provide help in overcoming your trauma and help lead you to a life of flourishing.