A traumatic experience can come in many different forms, from experiencing a severe accident to losing a loved one. The only person who can tell you that an event was traumatic is the person who has lived the experience.
It is human nature to feel shocked after a traumatic event. Even animals in the animal kingdom mourn the loss of loved ones or feel pain after an accident. A traumatic event is usually followed by several different emotions, sometimes all at once, such as helplessness, anger, guilt, or denial.
While experiencing these emotions after a traumatic event, you might also experience physiological symptoms such as headaches, heart palpitations, or appetite changes. These symptoms are linked to any stress or anxiety you feel after the traumatic event.
Unfortunately, no two people react to a traumatic event the say way. Someone may have post-traumatic stress disorder, someone else might turn to alcohol and substance abuse, or someone can fall into a deep depression that can affect their personal and professional lives. It takes time for someone to process what they have experienced. Some people may need support from family or professionals to recover from trauma, but the after-effects may linger for years, if not a lifetime.
After suffering from a traumatic experience, it is essential not to keep it in. It is tempting to bottle up your feelings, but that can cause lasting damage if you repress them down the line.
It is okay to cry or react emotionally after a traumatic event. Do not be embarrassed about doing so. Anyone there to help you will understand why you need to let your emotions out; if you do not, you will resort to alcohol or drugs to cope with painful memories. These could lead to health issues such as obesity, cancer, or heart disease and should be avoided.
You should not be afraid to seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed after a traumatic event.
