It is natural to have a physical reaction to traumatic stress. It is good to recognize these symptoms as signs of ‘activation’ and not to be scared by them:
- Heart beating faster
- Difficulty breathing
- Blood pressure going up
- Stomach tightening, knot in the throat
- Muscle tremors
- Cold skin
- Racing thoughts. These reactions will dissipate or go away if we don’t fight them.
People might experience some difficulty sleeping, or they might have the urge to overeat or engage in addictive behaviors such as excessive use of alcohol or drugs. The best ‘antidote’ is to try to be aware of those and other impulses, and to be accepting that you are deeply upset and that it will pass.
Some people’s previous unresolved traumas may get reactivated. Their sense of safety and trust may get shaken. They need to remind themselves or be reminded of their names, their actual age and today’s date and place. This permits them to get situated in the here and now.
People’s symptoms can be very diverse. They can be constant, come and go, or occur in clusters.
Do not expect people to feel the same way that you do. Everyone has a different response/ reaction to trauma.
The nervous systems discharges when it is over-stimulated. Some examples of this are:
- Trembling, shaking, vibrating or sweating
- Warmth in our body
- Stomach gurgling
- Breathing deeply
- Crying or laughing
- Goose pimples
Physiological Responses