Typically, whenever we experience a traumatic event such as a car accident or the death of a loved one, we will experience symptoms immediately following for about a month or so. Think of this as the “initial processing phase.” This is the body and mind’s way of processing what we have just experienced that we could not process as it was happening. This phase can include nightmares, increased anxiety, irritability, tearfulness, and feelings of disconnection from others. These feelings and symptoms are all normal after experiencing a trauma. In cases where PTSD does NOT develop, however, this “initial processing phase” typically subsides after about a month and we move into the longer-term phase of grieving.

If the trauma is not processed, however, it can have lasting effects. Sometimes this happens because circumstances never allowed us to naturally enter into the “initial processing phase”. Other times, either the intensity or duration of the traumatic experience or our predisposition prior to the trauma, can cause us to get stuck in the initial processing phase, unable to move past the initial symptoms. This is what we call PTSD – when we get stuck in the initial processing phase, unable to move through them.

PTSD can leave you feeling numb, disconnected, and surreal. These symptoms can make it difficult to feel connected to others in your life, impossible to relate, and unable to access your emotions regularly. In turn, you may find yourself going back and forth between feelings of numbness, anxiety, and irritability. This emotional cycle can typically lead to feelings of depression after a while and commonly begins to cause problems in relationships as others try to figure out how to predict and manage your moods.

In the brain’s effort to process the trauma to help you get “unstuck”, you may experience recurring thoughts or memories of the traumatic experience. These may come in the form of nightmares, visual flashbacks, or simply intrusive thoughts about the experience. It’s not uncommon to also experience physical or emotional flashbacks. These symptoms can cause you to feel like you are back in those moments again, either physically or emotionally, even if you’re aware of your present physical surroundings.

Our clients with PTSD all share a few things in common. They’ve tried to forget what happened and “just move on,” but their body and their brain weren’t ready. They had no understanding of the biological need to process trauma once we are out of the situation and physically safe again or what that might look like. Often times, even if they know they need to deal with those memories, no one has ever provided them with any emotional tools to use, so the thought of wading into those thoughts and feelings “unarmed” seemed unthinkable.

You don’t have to go in “unarmed.” We can help you understand what’s happening to you and why. We can walk you through the steps of recovery so you don’t have to face it alone.

We can help.

If you or someone you love is struggling with the effects of sexual trauma, please reach out. We offer trauma therapy with CBT Therapists in Orlando and online throughout the state of Florida. Call today or send us your info and we’ll reach out for a free consultation to see if one of our therapists would be a good fit.