Uncertain times

There are times in life that can bring uncertainty and, with this uncertainty, you may experience varying degrees of distress.

Some periods of distress can be so intense that we’d call them traumatic. In the wake of trauma, its effects may be long-term and damaging to both your psychological and physical health.

To know the difference between mild or moderate short-term distress and trauma, it’s important to understand some of the symptoms. This can help you recognise when it may be time to seek professional support.

How trauma may affect you psychologically

You may feel:

• numb
• angry or experience mood swings
• irritable
• shocked or in disbelief
• confused
• withdrawn
• anxious or fearful

How trauma may affect you physically

You may experience:

• increased sweating
• poor sleep or nightmares
• feeling easily startled
• racing heartbeat
• fatigue
• aches and pains
• shortness of breath or palpitations

Of course, if you are unsure about the cause of your symptoms, it’s always wise to speak to your GP. Once you’ve established that your psychological and physical responses may be linked to trauma, there are steps that you can take.

Firstly, you’ll want to have a greater understanding of how your symptoms are impacting you and your life. You might want to check in with yourself over the course of the day and note your general mood and feelings, rating them between one and 10.

If you carry on doing this over the course of a week or so, you’ll get an idea of your personal symptom patterns. You may notice improvement as the numbers decrease, or you may notice they are not improving, or are in fact getting worse.

Self-help suggestions

• Practise mindful breathing.
• Make your work and home environment places of comfort where possible.
• Ground yourself by simply pushing your feet into the soles of your shoes.
• Allow yourself to feel.
• Speak to people who will be supportive.
• Make time to rest and walk.

If the feelings are fading, life goes on, and things settle down, that’s encouraging. If the symptoms appear stuck or they are getting worse, this is a time for action.

Talking to a compassionate professional who understands trauma can really help. Breaking the silence around how you feel is a great step forward.

A GP, counsellor, therapist or trauma-informed professional can help you understand why you feel this way and what to do next. A suitably qualified coach may also support you with confidence, routines and moving forward, but trauma symptoms should be handled with appropriate clinical care where needed.

The most important thing you can do is be honest with yourself about how you feel and seek appropriate support to help you relieve the distressing symptoms associated with the very real trauma that can come with uncertain times.