Trauma can affect people in surprising ways. While certain reactions, like flashbacks or nightmares, are widely recognized as symptoms of trauma, others are more subtle and often go unnoticed.
These less obvious reactions can significantly impact your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being, even if you are unaware of their connection to a traumatic event. Understanding these hidden trauma responses is crucial for healing.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the trauma reactions you might not know are linked to trauma, why they occur, and how to address them. But first, what is Trauma?
In a previous article, we established that, in mental health, trauma refers to an emotional response to deeply distressing events that leave lasting marks on our minds and bodies.
Hidden Trauma Reactions You Might Be Experiencing
1. People-Pleasing
The need to constantly put other people’s needs above yours, avoid conflicts at all costs, or constantly go out of your way to gain their approval could be signs of trauma. This tendency to always try to prove to be good and not lose the favor of others often comes from childhood experiences where you felt unsafe, unloved, or unappreciated unless you met other people’s expectations.
People pleasing is a survival mechanism developed to avoid rejection or punishment. It often comes with the inability to maintain boundaries. This act can start from childhood and be present till adulthood.
What to do?
If you notice that you are a chronic people-pleaser, it is advisable to enforce boundaries, practice saying “no” without feeling guilty, and try to put yourself first. Speaking with a therapist can also help to unpack your underlying fear of rejection.
2. Difficulty Making Decisions
If you are constantly indecisive or scared of making the wrong decision every time you need to make a decision, this might be a hidden trauma response. This form of trauma response often comes when you grow up in an environment where mistakes are often met with harsh criticism, abuse, or punishment. This makes decision-making difficult for you as it might trigger anxiety or self-doubt.
What to do?
You need to recognize that mistakes are a natural part of life. Start with making small decisions to rebuild confidence in your ability to choose.
3. Procrastination or Perfectionism
Did you often face criticism for every little thing you did as a child and do you now find yourself obsessing over every little detail of a task before submitting it? Do you procrastinate till the last minute before doing your tasks Or do you constantly feel like you are not good enough?
Both procrastination and perfectionism are often rooted in trauma. Procrastination can be a way of avoiding the pressure or fear of failure, while perfectionism reflects an attempt to control outcomes and avoid criticism.
What to do?
Focus on progress rather than perfection. You can break your tasks into smaller steps to make them easy to do.
4. Over Explaining Yourself
Do you find yourself explaining or justifying your actions, even when no one asks for clarification?
People tend to over-explain when they feel misunderstood, invalidated, or judged harshly. Overexplaining is a defense mechanism aimed at avoiding conflict or disapproval by preemptively addressing potential criticism.
What to do?
Remind yourself that you don’t need to justify every action or decision. Practice letting your choices speak for themselves.
5. Hyper-Independence
While independence is often celebrated, hyper-independence - where you refuse help or rely solely on yourself - can stem from trauma. If you’ve experienced betrayal, neglect, or abandonment, you might find it hard to trust others and prefer doing everything alone. It is a way to protect yourself from disappointment or vulnerability and a shield against feeling let down by others.
What to do?
Gradually practice accepting help from trusted individuals. Building supportive relationships can help restore a sense of safety in connection.
6. Feeling Constantly On Edge
If you have ever been in unsafe situations or lived in a rough environment, you might become hypervigilant. Your brain is set to a “survival mode”, this happens by being alert, scanning your surroundings, or feeling uneasy even in safe environments. You might perceive threats even when they are not there.
What to do?
Engage in grounding techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises. These can help calm your nervous system.
7. Sudden Outbursts of Emotion
Trauma can make it difficult to regulate emotions, so if you find yourself overreacting to minor triggers or feeling overwhelmed by emotions, it might be related to trauma. These emotional responses often reflect unresolved feelings tied to past experiences.
What to do?
Journaling, therapy, or practicing emotional awareness can help you better understand and manage your feelings.
8. Physical Symptoms Without Clear Medical Causes
Do you know that unexplained chronic pain, fatigue, headaches, or digestive issues can sometimes be linked to trauma? When trauma is left unprocessed, the body can store the emotional pain and manifest it physically. This is because trauma activates the body’s stress response, which, when prolonged, can lead to physical symptoms.
What to do?
Consult a medical professional to rule out other causes, then consider speaking with a therapist.
Many people live with hidden trauma responses without realizing their connection to past events. This can lead to any of the trauma responses mentioned in this article and even many more reactions. By understanding these responses as survival mechanisms, you can take an informed approach to resolving them and seeking support.
Steps Toward Healing
Seek Professional Help
Trauma-informed therapists can guide you through the healing process and offer tools to manage symptoms.
Educate Yourself
Learning about trauma and its effects can empower you to recognize and address hidden responses.
Build a Support System
Surround yourself with empathetic and understanding individuals who respect your healing journey.
Practice Self-Compassion
Remind yourself that your reactions are valid and that healing takes time.
If you identify with any of these hidden trauma reactions, consider reaching out to a licensed psychotherapist who can guide you on your healing journey.
You deserve to thrive, not just survive.
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