Symptoms of Traumatic Stress

Traumatic stress can occur after any serious or life-changing event. Often associated with witnessing or being involved in an accident or trauma, traumatic stress can lead to difficulty with daily activities and relationships. Traumatic stress can occur to anyone, including those that care for victims of trauma.

Physical Symptoms

• Common physical signs of traumatic stress include fatigue, sweating and headache. Gastrointestinal problems can also occur, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

Mental Symptoms

• Traumatic stress can wreak havoc on your mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, guilt, anger and fear are all possible traumatic stress reactions.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Post-traumatic stress disorder can often develop from episodes of traumatic stress. People with PTSD may suffer from intense feelings of fear and helplessness, plus flashbacks and nightmares.

Considerations

• The cycle of traumatic stress can be difficult to stop. Lost or disrupted sleep can lead to increased anxiety and a reduced ability to deal with the effects of stress.

Treatment

• According to the APA, support from friends, family and local support groups can help a person overcome the mental symptoms of traumatic stress. Working on the mental symptoms can help alleviate the physical symptoms over time.