“Trauma is about a loss of connection to ourselves, our bodies, our families, others, and the world around us. When we avoid people, places, and situations that remind us of the traumatic event, our life choices become limited, reducing our sense of freedom and vitality.” - Peter A. Levine, Ph.D.

Trauma and Abuse - Symptoms of PTSD

According to Peter A. Levine, the founder of Somatic Experiencing, trauma is not an event; it is the energy that becomes locked in the body after a real or perceived threat. When a sense of safety cannot be restored after a traumatic experience, the individual remains in a defensive state, sensing danger where they may be none. They become disconnected to the present.

Some of those who have been exposed to trauma develop PTSD. Symptoms fall under the following domains: avoidance behaviors, mood and cognitive symptoms, arousal and re-experiencing symptoms. PTSD often co-occurs with depression, substance use, and other anxiety disorders.

Trauma impacts multiple aspects of a person’s life: work, relationships, self-care, self-image. Below, you will see a list of symptoms that develop immediately after a traumatic experience and others that tend to develop over time. A mental health professional who understands trauma can help improve an individual’s quality of life.

How can trauma occur?

• Domestic violence (experiencing, witnessing)

• Childhood sexual, physical, or emotional abuse

• Betrayal, neglect, or abandonment during childhood

• Rape

• Community violence

• Multi-generational or historical

• Catastrophic illnesses or injuries

• War, terrorism, refugee

• Natural disasters

• Exposure to sudden loud sounds, especially during childhood

• Birth stress (mother and infant)

• Prolonged immobilization

• Invasive dental or medical procedures

• Exposure to extreme heat or cold, particularly during infancy or childhood

What are early symptoms of trauma?

Symptoms that tend to appear later:

• Dissociation and denial

• Feelings of freezing, immobilization, or helplessness

• Hyperarousal

• Constriction

• Intrusive imagery or flashbacks

• Hyperactivity

• Difficulty sleeping

• Shame or low self-worth

• Nightmares

• Increased vulnerability to becoming stressed

• Extreme sensitivity to sounds and lights

• Abrupt mood swings (anger, crying, tantrums)

• Exaggerated emotional or startle response

• Attraction to dangerous situations

• Feeling spaced out

• Avoidance behaviors

• Addictive behaviors

• Panic attack or phobia

• Forgetfulness or amnesia

• Self-mutilation

• Fear of dying or anticipation of premature death

• Loss of religious or spiritual belief

• Inability to bond with others or nurture

• Exaggerated or absence of sexual expression

Symptoms that tend to develop over time:

• Chronic fatigue or low physical energy

• Fibromyalgia

• Skin disorders

• Digestive problems

• Headaches or migraines

• Neck or back problems

• Feelings of pending doom

• Depression

• Severe premenstrual syndrome

• Feelings of detachment and isolation

• Chronic pain

Elese Lorentzen is a psychotherapist in the San Francisco Bay Area who uses EMDR, somatic practices, mindfulness, Family Systems, and ACT to treat trauma. She meets with clients in person at her Walnut Creek CA office and online. If you’re interested in pursuing trauma treatment, know that there is help out there. You don’t have to struggle with these symptoms on your own.