6 Sneaky Signs You’re Experiencing Ongoing Trauma From The Pandemic

When we talk about trauma and PTSD, we are usually referring to a life-changing event that triggers strong emotional and physical reactions.However, during the epidemic, we did not witness any stressful events – we experienced many traumatic events and continue to do so.

Over the past two years, people have experienced tremendous grief and loss.People have lost loved ones.They have lost their jobs and financial security, as well as their identity, sense of self, and most importantly, their control.

Jennifer King, assistant professor and co-director of the Center for the Study of Trauma and Adversity at Case Western Reserve University, says, “We’re in the midst of this collective, complex trauma right now that is ongoing, unpredictable, and with no clear end in sight.”

Evidence suggests that the epidemic and all the fear, stress, isolation, and grief that it triggers are major traumatic stressors that lead to a variety of PTSD symptoms.A Case Western Reserve University study found that 85% of participants experienced at least one PTSD symptom in 2020 and early 2021.

Another study found that about a quarter of the participants met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD – that’s higher than the 5 percent prevalence of PTSD in the general population and four times the prevalence of PTSD in soldiers returning from combat, King said.

If you’ve been feeling stressed lately, or find yourself being particularly negative, sensitive, or withdrawn, COVID-related trauma may be at play.This does not necessarily mean that you have PTSD.Many of us may be experiencing some degree of PTSD-like symptoms, but it’s not until these symptoms begin to affect your daily life that it becomes a serious problem.Nonetheless, the effects of trauma can still cause us stress – regardless of its severity.Here are some signs of trauma:

You’re super nervous.

A very obvious symptom of trauma is hypervigilance.After a traumatic event, people with PTSD often have trouble feeling grounded or centered in situations or relationships.Experiencing or witnessing trauma puts us in a state of activation where we are constantly looking for the next threat, King said.

With all of our energy focused on survival, hypervigilance can lead to difficulty concentrating.For many people, this symptom manifests itself as a strong emotional reaction to small problems or stressors.

“You’re going to be on edge all the time.Little things can freak you out, and you can react very irrationally to very, very little things,” says Tamar Rodney, an assistant professor of trauma and psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.

Another good example of hypervigilance: extreme anxiety and sensitivity to coughing and sneezing around you.

You’re tired.

Emotional exhaustion and physical exhaustion are not traditional post-traumatic stress reactions, but in the context of this outbreak – where traumatic stressors persist – many people feel particularly exhausted.

When our bodies go into flight or fight mode, as they do during traumatic experiences, we expend a lot of energy.Add to this the fact that our stress system is chronically activated by stressor after stressor, and it’s only natural that we feel physically and emotionally exhausted.Trauma can be exhausting.

This has a lot to do with life and the collective trauma and collective stress that is happening.

You’ve been very negative.

Trauma often leads to intrusive, negative thoughts.In the aftermath of trauma, King says, people can find it difficult to look ahead and feel optimistic about the future of themselves and the world.

Some people develop a negative view of themselves, and their self-esteem may take a hit.”They become very negative in the way they conduct themselves,” Rodney said.

You’re experiencing increased physical pain.

Traumatic stress, especially ongoing chronic traumatic stress, can affect our physical health.Over time, stress and trauma can lead to decreased immune function while increasing tension and pain throughout the body.

Body pain can manifest itself in a variety of ways – some people will experience migraines and headaches, while others will experience digestive problems, elevated blood pressure, back pain, or joint pain.

You’re not sleeping well.

Traumatic stress can lead to a variety of sleep disorders, including insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, poor sleep quality, stressful dreams and nightmares.It is estimated that as many as 91% of people with PTSD have sleep problems.

Rodney says that sleep issues are often overlooked, but it affects everything we do.Sleep resets the mind and body, and sleep deprivation can really disrupt our quality of life and daily functioning.

You have been withdrawn.

Avoidance or deliberate alienation from others is another common effect of being traumatized.Especially during the New Crown epidemic, it was difficult for many people to reintegrate into activities, places and people they once enjoyed.

There is a difference between maintaining physical distance to reduce the likelihood of contracting COVID and withdrawing out of fear and deciding to avoid any socialization opportunities.There are still ways to connect with others in the context of COVID.

Rodney says that quitting becomes “problematic” when “you’re no longer able to do things that make life more meaningful.”

How to deal with these symptoms

The first step is to recognize when these symptoms become a problem.All of these symptoms have appropriate levels and tipping points that impair our abilities.If any of these symptoms are seriously affecting your life, it is time to seek professional help.

Rodney said, “There’s no shame in experiencing these feelings.”

It is also important to develop healthy coping mechanisms.Re-engage with people.Exercise regularly.Be patient and listen to your body.Symptoms can appear at any time, sometimes months or years after a traumatic event, and there is no set path or time frame for recovery.Allow yourself to heal and process emotions at your own pace.

Please remember that you are not alone and that many people are experiencing physical and emotional symptoms due to the trauma of this epidemic.

“Our reaction was normal,” Kim said.”It’s the situation that’s not normal.”