How to Know if You’re Experiencing Trauma

Trauma isn’t always loud or obvious. It doesn’t always come from one big, dramatic event. Sometimes, trauma is silent, subtle, and accumulates over time, leaving you feeling confused, stuck or emotionally overwhelmed without understanding why. 

At Hopewell Health Solutions, we know how important it is to recognize the signs of trauma early. When we can name what we’re experiencing, we can begin to heal. Here’s what you need to know about how trauma can show up in your life, and how to know if you’re experiencing it. 

What is Trauma? 

Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to deeply distressing or disturbing events. Trauma can be caused by things like: 

• A single incident such as a car accident, assault or death
• Ongoing or repeated experiences such as abuse, neglect or bullying
• Collective events like natural disaster, pandemics or community violence
• Developmental disruptions like growing up in unsafe or unstable home environment 

 

It’s important to note that what’s considered traumatic to one person might not be to another. Trauma is about how your body and mind respond rather than just the event itself. 

Signs You May Be Experiencing Trauma

• You feel overwhelmed or emotionally numb 

• You may go back and forth between having intense emotions and feeling completely disconnected or like you’re ‘shutting down.’ Emotional numbness is a common survival strategy after trauma 

• Flashbacks, Intrusive Thoughts, or Nightmares 

• Your mind may replay parts of a distressing experience unexpectedly. Nightmares or vivid memories that feel difficult to control are common signs of unresolved trauma

• Heightened Startle Response or Hypervigilance 

• Feeling constantly ‘on edge,’ jumpy, or overly alert as though you’re waiting for something bad to happen, is your nervous system’s way of staying in protective mode 

• Avoidance of People, Places or Topics

• You might find yourself avoiding certain places, people or conversations that remind you of the experience, even if they’re part of your daily life

• Physical Symptoms With No Clear Cause 

• Unexplained headaches, stomach issues, chronic pain, or fatigue can be signs that your body is holding onto stress or trauma

• Changes in Mood or Behavior

• You may experience increased irritability, sadness, anxiety or emotional outbursts. Trauma can impact your sleep, appetite and energy levels 

• Feelings of Shame, Guilt of Self-Blame

• Often people will internalize traumatic experiences, believing they should’ve ‘done something differently.’ These feelings can be difficult to talk about 

Why Recognizing Trauma Matters 

Recognizing that what you’re feeling might be trauma can help you move from self-judgment to self-compassion. It can help you understand your emotional responses, your relationship patterns, and behaviors through a more supportive lens. You don’t have to ‘have it all together’ or wait until things get worse to reach out for support. Trauma-informed therapy creates a safe space to process painful experiences, regulate emotions, and reconnect with yourself. 

 

What to Do if You Recognize These Signs 

• Talk to a Professional: A trauma-informed therapist can help you explore what you’re feeling without pressure or judgment 

• Practice Self-Care and Grounding Techniques: Mindfulness, movement, and breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system 

• Be Gentle With Yourself: Healing from trauma is not a straight line. Progress may be slow and that’s okay. 

You’re Not Alone 

What you’re experiencing and feeling is valid. Trauma doesn’t mean you’re ‘broken.’ It means you’ve been through something hard and are still pushing through. Healing is possible. At Hopewell Health Solutions, we’re here to support you along your healing journey. 

Available Support at Hopewell Health Solutions 

• Women’s Wellness Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) with a trauma focus 
• Adult Mental Health IOP 
• Individual trauma-focused therapy 
• Teen & Tween Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
  
  

Reach out to Hopewell Health Solutions by calling 860-946-0447 to learn more

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 19a-638, Hopewell Health Solutions, LLC is applying for a certificate of need to establish an outpatient behavioral health care facility for adults at 248 Flanders Road, East Lyme, with an associated capital expenditure of $10,000. Interested persons may contact the State of Connecticut, Office of Health Strategy, Attention: Steven Lazarus, 450 Capitol Ave. MS #510HS, Hartford, CT 06134 or by phone at 860.418.7001 for additional information.