4 Ways Past Trauma Can Impact Anxiety
No one likes to step back in time to deal with trauma that happened years ago. Some people may not even remember the things they went through, blocking out the memories as a defense mechanism. Others simply don’t want to relive things like verbal or physical abuse, the loss of a loved one, or neglect.
No matter how long ago your trauma was, though, it could be impacting you today more than you realize. If you struggle with feelings of anxiety and have unresolved trauma, the two might be connected. The traumatic experience(s) from your past could be fueling your anxiety today.
Not sure how the two are linked? Let’s look at four ways past trauma can impact anxiety.
1. A Fight-or-Flight Response to Fear
If you find yourself constantly anxious that “the worst” is going to happen, it could be the result of something traumatic that happened earlier in your life. Worried thoughts are one thing. But, when your body goes into “fight-or-flight” mode, it’s trying to prepare itself for something that’s about to happen.
You could be responding that way because you’ve had to defend yourself with fight-or-flight in the past. If your worries often come with ideas on what you’re going to do to protect yourself, it could be the result of past trauma.
2. Flashbacks
Most people recognize the common symptoms of PTSD, and that often includes flashbacks. But, this disorder affects more than just soldiers who have been to war.
Any type of traumatic experience can trigger flashbacks and make you feel like you’re re-experiencing something negative on a regular basis. Flashbacks aren’t just memories. They can often make you feel the same way you did during the traumatic moments, causing extreme anxiety and fear.
3. Triggers
You might not feel anxious all of the time. But, if certain things trigger your anxiety and suddenly cause a surge of fear, it’s important to be aware of what those triggers are and how they might relate to your past.
The next time something triggers your anxiety, think about what it was. Were you in a specific location? Were you with a certain person? What activity were you doing? When you can answer those questions, you’ll eventually get to the root cause of your triggers, which can help you have a better understanding of where your anxiety comes from.
4. Cognitive Issues
Trauma can hijack your brain. It can cause you to become fearful more often than not, and completely take over your life. If you feel like you don’t have control over your own worried thoughts, and you’re constantly scared, it can negatively impact your cognitive function.
If you’re having trouble focusing or remembering things, or even find it difficult to think clearly most of the time, it could be from anxiety caused by trauma. Between flashbacks, fear, and trying to avoid triggers, there’s a lot going on inside your mind. It only makes sense that there might not be room for normal, everyday thinking.
If any of these issues sound familiar, it’s important to understand that you’re not alone. Trauma survivors often feel guilt or shame, which is a big reason they don’t seek out the help they need or deserve. But, if you’re struggling with anxiety and you’re worried it might be from a traumatic experience in your life, you can find freedom. You can take control of your life again.
Feel free to contact me to learn more about how therapy can ease your anxiety and get to the root of your trauma, while teaching you the skills necessary to move forward while breaking the chains of fear.