Emotional trauma is the result of traumatizing experiences that leave you feeling unsafe or helpless. It can be caused by a range of events that challenge your minds normal coping mechanisms, such as a car accident, assault, natural disaster, living in an unsafe environment, or the sudden loss of a loved one. Trauma can happen in a flash and be unexpected and shocking, or it can happen continuously or repeatedly, such as growing up with a parent who cant take care of you, being bullied and humiliated at school, or surviving an abusive relationship. Emotional trauma can leave you struggling with upsetting emotions, memories, and anxiety that wont go away. It can also leave you feeling numb, disconnected, and unable to trust other people.

Some common signs of emotional trauma include anxiety and panic attacks, fear, anger, irritability, obsessions and compulsions, shock and disbelief, emotional numbing and detachment, depression, and shame and guilt. Traumatic stress tends to evoke two emotional extremes: feeling either too much (overwhelmed) or too little (numb) emotion. Emotional reactions to trauma can vary greatly and are significantly influenced by the individuals sociocultural history.

Its important to note that not everyone responds to trauma in the same way, and theres no one "right" way to react to trauma. If you experience any of these symptoms, its important to seek support and treatment to help you cope and recover.