Several years back, I began noticing odd patterns in my life—strong reactions & habits I couldn’t explain. It took me a while to realize they were from old wounds I hadn’t worked through. Repressed trauma doesn’t expose itself publicly – it masquerades as benign moods, actions & struggles. Here are 11 clues that you might be harboring unaddressed trauma—and why all these blips might point the way to your past.
Note: Whether or not you recognize these signs – if you’re concerned about your mental health, see a professional for help.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels.
You Have Trouble Remembering Certain Events
You’re not meant to forget small moments of ordinary life, but empty gaps in your mind about important dates or times passed might be a sign of repressed trauma. Your brain suppresses traumatic memories in order to shield you. You need this kind of self-defense to survive for a time, but that can cause you to be lost in the past.
You Avoid Certain Places or People Without Knowing Why
Have you ever avoided a place or a person without even being able to justify it? Trauma can forge unconscious links to places, people or even objects that brought you close to a hurtful experience. You don’t remember exactly what happened, but your brain & body do.
You Struggle with Emotional Intensity
Do little things trigger you, or are you feeling emotionally unwell? Traumatic memories can leave one feeling uncontrollable. Perhaps you get over-sold on the smallest inconveniences as if they’re something much more serious. Or you might feel numb during moments that should be emotional. Both extremes mean unresolved pain is getting the best of you.
You Have Chronic Anxiety or Unexplained Fear
Your brain may be operating on “fight or flight”, thinking that there’s a threat, when in fact there is none. This hypervigilance is exhausting & you don’t get much chance to settle down or trust yourself. That panic is not fluke — it’s your brain telling you that something’s not right.
You Experience Sudden Mood Swings
You’re happy one minute, angry & depressed the next for no apparent reason. Unexpected mood fluctuations are caused by buried wounds that spring back to the surface. Such a dramatic transformation can be puzzling or embarrassing, especially if performed in public.
You Feel Detached from Yourself or Others
Ever feel like you’re looking at your life from the outside? This disconnection is normal after trauma. It’s your brain’s way of protecting you from suffering by shutting you down or removing you from reality. It might be a short-term solution, but it will make you lonely & cut off from your friends and family & even yourself.
You Have Unexplained Physical Symptoms
If you experience a constant headache, stomachache or muscle pain with no medical explanation, that’s probably your body’s way of playing out stress that’s still on the docket. When trauma is not addressed emotionally, it usually takes physical form. These symptoms can be frustrating & unsettling when physicians can’t find anything wrong.
You Overreact to Specific Triggers
Have you ever felt triggered by something that is so simple? Trauma-based cues can invoke over-the-top emotions, whether it’s a sound, smell, or experience. These responses are your body’s way of reacting to something it sees as a threat, though the actual threat is long gone.
You Struggle with Trust or Intimacy
Repressed trauma may be the reason you can’t rely on other people or let them near you. Even with loved ones, you can keep it all to yourself because you are afraid of getting hurt or being judged.
You Have Perfectionist or Overachieving Tendencies
Have you kept on trying to do more even when you’re done? Perfectionism can come out of trauma to take control & prove yourself. Throwing yourself into work, hobbies, or other activities might help you avoid confronting buried feelings. Although this motivation is attractive to others, it often conceals an internal struggle with pain.
You Experience Flashbacks or Vivid Dreams
Extremely vivid or disturbing dreams or flashbacks may be your brain’s way of handling unresolved trauma. These episodes could recall scenes or experiences that you don’t quite know how to process, but they still shock you.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
12 Major Reasons Why People Have So Much Hatred For Baby Boomers
Baby Boomers, typically those born between 1946 and 1964, have faced scrutiny and criticism from various quarters. This phenomenon of animosity towards Baby Boomers has multiple roots, ranging from economic factors and cultural shifts to generational conflicts and perceptions of privilege. Exploring these facets can provide insight into the 12 major reasons why some people harbor so much hatred for Baby Boomers.
12 Major Reasons Why People Have So Much Hatred For Baby Boomers
20 Relationship Habits That You Think Are Loving, but Are Actually Dangerously Deceptive
Discover the hidden truths of Relationship Habits That You Think Are Loving but Are Dangerously Deceptive”. This thought-provoking journey challenges our notions of love, empowers us to build healthier bonds, and brings surprising revelations.
20 Relationship Habits That You Think Are Loving, but Are Actually Dangerously Deceptive
The 15 Worst-Selling Cars in America
Not every automobile model captures public attention or meets consumer expectations. The market celebrates top sellers, but some cars struggle to find buyers. High prices, unattractive designs, subpar performance, or failure to stand out in a highly competitive market contribute to poor sales.
In this article, we examine some of the worst-selling cars in America, highlighting cars that may have missed the mark, from once-promising models to niche vehicles that never found an audience.