Trauma can be one-time, multiple or long-lasting repetitive events. They are scary, overwhelming and highly threatening. Trauma affects everyone differently. Some may have symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) while others who are more resilient do not, or only briefly and with less severe symptoms. This depends on many factors. 

But the impact of trauma can be subtle and even destructive, especially for those who have not fully resolved healing from their traumatic experiences. Read on to learn more about signs of unhealed trauma and how to recover from it.

What “Unhealed Trauma” Means

Trauma responses are largely normal responses to abnormal events. Let’s look at the impact of trauma as there is a wide variety of symptoms at the time of the event or events. Initially they may include exhaustion, confusion, anxiety, agitation, numbness, dissociation, physical arousal and blunted emotions [1].

More severe responses include:

• Continuous distress without periods of relative calm or rest
• Severe dissociation symptoms
• Intense intrusive memories that continue despite a return to safety

But delayed responses to trauma can include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Sleep disorders
• Nightmares
• Fear of recurrence
• Anxiety focussed on flashbacks
• Depression
• Avoidance of emotions, sensations or activities associated with the trauma

Only a small percentage of people with a history of trauma show impairment and symptoms that meet the criteria for PTSD, including mood and anxiety disorders. But letting go of trauma can be hard as it’s natural to have bonds and memories with people, places or things that remind us of the traumatic events. 

Unhealed (or unresolved) trauma usually happens when you don’t adequately process what happened. Instead, you protect yourself from pain by repressing to avoid the upsetting emotions. Instead you push them down out of mind. Unfortunately, many trauma responses also reside in the body where they take their toll with various physical symptoms. 

While you may not have full-blown PTSD, your energy is focused on staying in control at the expense of living a full, enjoyable life. The result can be broken relationships, substance use, failed careers and other physical and emotional symptoms.

For many people, unhealed traumatic feelings are a constant part of their lives, flooding up when least expected. This is often the case with any reminder that is a hint of the traumatic experience. This reactivation prompts our body’s natural fight-or-flight reaction, creating a cycle of reactions, as described below.

Signs of Unhealed Trauma

So what are some signs of unhealed trauma that people with unresolved or delayed responses face? Here are 11.

Trust Issues

Trust is frequently damaged or lost following traumatic events. This trust may have been previously held in a family member, friend or system meant to protect you. Regaining this trust is very difficult without doing therapy work.

Codependency

One of the most common results of a traumatic childhood abandonment is codependency. Adults who experienced this may gravitate towards codependent relationships in which the couple are enmeshed with one another. 

The person who was abandoned typically plays the caretaker role in a desperate attempt to maintain the relationship, often out of an attempt to avoid re-experiencing the trauma. This, of course, comes at great cost to the person’s own autonomous identity and needs. 

Increased Anger & Aggression

Being irritable or having angry outbursts is common for those who have suffered trauma. Some may use this to cope with their symptoms while others are just being reactive. Identifying triggers that lead to these reactions can help a person develop insight and cope more appropriately.

Substance Use

Substance use and possible abuse are very common among trauma survivors. It can provide an escape by numbing painful emotions, taking the edge off situations, feeling “normal” in social situations and as a sleep-aid. However this only works in the short-term as substance abuse can turn to dependence and addiction.

People-Pleasing Tendencies

Those who have unhealed trauma may try to avoid conflict and keep the peace by adopting people-pleasing tendencies. This trauma response is based on the feeling they need to compensate for being the problem. This too can be very detrimental for the person as they are giving up core parts of their true self to please others.

Struggling with Dates of Traumatic Events

Those who have had traumatic experiences often have great difficulty revisiting the events in therapy. Any reminder can set off symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger and resentment and suicidal thoughts, among other responses. These can be complex to deal with and take time in therapy.

Seeking Emotional Support Where It’s Not Available

Often women who have suffered unhealed abuse, whether emotional, physical or sexual, find themselves “stuck” with abusive men or friends. Intimate partner violence is more likely to occur among women who experienced violence as children or adolescents. Through therapy, the goal is to help such women let go of this pattern and find healthier partners.

Seeing Change as Frightening or Impossible

Change is challenging for most people at the best of times. But for those who have lost trust through traumatic experiences, it can be frightening or even viewed as impossible. A comfort zone is a more comfortable place to be even though they have not healed from their trauma and pay the price of carrying this weight through life.

Dissociation

Dissociation is the body’s way of freezing physically and emotionally for protection. It’s part of the “fight-flight-freeze” trauma response. Dissociation is a common symptom of PTSD as the body tries to cope with and escape the uncomfortable. It is a coping mechanism which may have some short-term benefits but in the long term is not adaptive and can even be dangerous.

Eating Disorders or Overexercising

Trauma can cause someone to have feelings of powerlessness. Some develop eating disorders to regain a sense of control. Similarly some work out excessively and compulsively for similar reasons. Either of these responses can have serious physical and mental consequences that can be difficult to treat.

Clinging to Toxic People

Some people who have unresolved trauma may look to connect with others who may be abusive and toxic. This may be because they are compelled to look for relationships like those they have previously had. Staying with the familiar appears safer but has many negative consequences that come with continued abuse.

Help Available in Utah

Treatment is available in Utah. Are you or a loved one looking for a compassionate space to heal from trauma or PTSD, other mental health issues or addictions? Our licensed trauma-informed professional therapists and counselors at Corner Canyon Health Centers can provide compassionate help using a range of therapeutic and holistic techniques.

Reach out to our Admissions team now at Corner Canyon. We’re in a peaceful setting bordered by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.

Sources

[1] Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US). Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2014. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 57.) Chapter 3, Understanding the Impact of Trauma.