What Are the Emotional and Physical Symptoms of Trauma?
Trauma can affect both the mind and body in many different ways. Symptoms may vary from person to person, and they can show up immediately after a distressing event or develop over time.
Emotional Symptoms of Trauma
Emotional responses to trauma can affect mood, thinking, relationships, and daily functioning. Common emotional symptoms include:
- Fear and anxiety
- Shock or emotional numbness
- Denial or difficulty accepting what happened
- Hopelessness or helplessness
- Sadness or depression
- Spontaneous crying
- Panic attacks
- Irritability or anger
- Mood swings
- Guilt or shame
- Feeling worthless or broken
Physical Symptoms of Trauma
Trauma is often stored in the body and can show up through physical symptoms such as:
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Changes in appetite or eating patterns
- Fatigue or low energy
- Feeling “jumpy” or easily startled
- Racing heartbeat or palpitations
- Muscle tension, aches, or chronic pain
- Sexual difficulties or changes in desire
- Unexplained chronic pain
- Intrusive thoughts or images
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
Trauma Recovery Resources
If you are seeking additional support or education around trauma recovery, the following resources may be helpful:
Recommended Books on Trauma
- Finding Life Beyond Trauma: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Heal from Post-Traumatic Stress and Trauma-Related Problems
- The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment
- Overcoming Trauma through Yoga: Reclaiming Your Body
- Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation: Skills Training for Patients and Therapists
Trauma Resources, Apps, and Experts
- Janina Fisher, PhD
- Jim Hopper, PhD (Harvard researcher)
- David Baldwin’s Trauma Information
- National Center for PTSD
- Office for Victims of Crime
- PTSD Coach (mobile app)
- Mindfulness-based trauma recovery resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What trauma-focused therapies does Vantage Point offer?
Our clinicians are trained in evidence-based trauma treatments including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a body-based approach that helps regulate the nervous system and address how trauma is held physically. We also draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed relational approaches. Treatment is tailored to each individual’s history and goals.
Do I need a PTSD diagnosis to receive trauma therapy?
No. Many clients benefit from trauma-informed therapy without meeting the full criteria for PTSD. If you have experienced something distressing that continues to affect your sense of safety, relationships, mood, or daily functioning, therapy can help — regardless of whether you have a formal diagnosis.
What are common signs that trauma may be affecting me?
Trauma can show up in many ways, including flashbacks or intrusive memories, emotional numbness or disconnection, sleep disturbances, hypervigilance or being easily startled, irritability, difficulty trusting others, unexplained physical symptoms, and avoiding reminders of the experience. If any of these resonate, it may be worth speaking with a therapist.
How does Sensorimotor Psychotherapy work for trauma?
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a body-based approach that addresses how trauma is stored in the nervous system — not just in thoughts and emotions. It helps clients recognize physical sensations and movement patterns associated with trauma, regulate their nervous system, and shift out of chronic fight-or-flight responses. Unlike traditional talk therapy alone, it works directly with the body’s responses to promote deeper healing.
Is trauma therapy available in Spanish at Vantage Point?
Yes. We have Spanish-speaking clinicians with experience in trauma-informed care available for clients who prefer to receive therapy in Spanish.
If you’re considering therapy for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to reach out. Our team will help you explore next steps and determine the best level of support.