Recognising Emotional, Physical, and Behavioural Signs of Trauma in Australia
What Is Trauma in the View of Leading Experts?
Gabor Maté explains that trauma is not the event itself but the lasting wound that is left inside you. This wound can be emotional, psychological, and even physical. It remains with you even after the danger is over.
Janina Fisher and Bessel van der Kolk describe trauma as something held in our memories and in our bodies. The pain and the need to stay safe can lead to symptoms that still affect you long after the event has passed.
Physical and Emotional Symptoms
Trauma often causes symptoms that can confuse or worry you. Bessel van der Kolk teaches that the body keeps the score. This means physical signs and unprocessed emotions can appear, even if you do not realise why.
- Muscle tension that does not go away
- Headaches without a clear medical cause
- Trouble breathing, or feeling short of breath
- Feeling tired all the time, even when you get enough rest
- Unexpected pain that doctors cannot explain
- A fast heartbeat or sweating, especially when reminded of the event
- Feeling disconnected and numb about life or feelings
- Changes in mood, such as feeling sad, angry, or anxious
- Having guilt or shame that feels very strong, even if you are not at fault
Changes in Thinking and Relationships
Gabor Maté says trauma can change how you trust yourself and others. It can change how you look at yourself and the world.
- Finding it hard to trust people, or even yourself
- Persistent negative thoughts about your safety or self-worth
- Feeling isolated or misunderstood, as if no one can relate to what you feel
- Losing pleasure in things that once made you happy
- Problems remembering, focusing, or making decisions
- Unwanted memories or flashbacks about the traumatic event
- Feeling stuck in the past and unable to live in the present
Responses and Coping Behaviours
Janina Fisher highlights that many survivors develop ways to protect themselves without realising. These coping strategies might keep the pain away but also create barriers to recovery.
- Avoiding places or people related to the event
- Staying away from friends and family
- Using food, alcohol, or other substances to control feelings
- Feeling jumpy or easily startled by small things
- Being overly critical of yourself or having self-harming thoughts
Trauma’s Effects on Mind and Body
Bessel van der Kolk and Gabor Maté explain that trauma interrupts the brain’s sense of safety and time. The body reacts with tension, rapid heartbeat, or shallow breathing, even when nothing dangerous is happening.
Trauma also affects your hormones and immune system. This can cause health problems, especially if you do not get help early.
How Children Experience Trauma
Children may show symptoms differently. Janina Fisher and Bessel van der Kolk describe these signs.
- Acting out the trauma during play, stories, or drawings
- Becoming more needy, clingy, or fearful of being alone
- Trouble making friends or difficulties at school
- Nightmares or sleep problems that do not have an obvious reason
- Returning to behaviours from a younger age, such as thumb sucking or bedwetting
There Is Hope and Healing
Janina Fisher, Bessel van der Kolk, and Gabor Maté all say that trauma can be healed. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, therapy, and body-based approaches can help you reconnect and feel safe again. With support and professional help, recovery is always possible.
If you recognise these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, you are not alone. Reaching out for help is a brave and caring step for your wellbeing.
