 Have you ever struggled to relax or feel constantly on edge even when there's no apparent threat? A leading trauma researcher and author of The Body Keeps the Score, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, explains how the body and brain are affected by traumatic experiences, leading to symptoms that differ significantly from those caused by normal stress. If you find yourself constantly on edge, struggling to relax, or avoiding situations that remind you of a distressing event, it's crucial to consider the possibility that you may be experiencing a trauma response rather than just everyday stress. With that said, here are some signs that it's your trauma response and not normal stress. Hypervigilance A trauma expert and author of Trauma and Recovery, Dr. Judith Herman, sheds light on the fact that hypervigilance is a common symptom among those who have experienced trauma. When talking about hypervigilance, it's essential to understand that it's a heightened state of alertness that can manifest in various ways such as always feeling on edge, having difficulty relaxing or concentrating and startling easy at sudden noises. By understanding the connection between hypervigilance and past traumatic experiences, we can better support ourselves or loved ones in the process of recovery, fostering a greater sense of empathy and compassion for those affected by trauma. Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks Have you ever been caught in a cycle of thoughts or memories that are hard to escape? Seemingly taking over your mind. Imagine you're sitting in a quiet room when suddenly an image from a past traumatic event flashes in your mind. This intense flashback is a sign of a trauma response going beyond typical stress induced rumination or worry. For trauma survivors, it's not uncommon to wrestle with intrusive thoughts, memories or flashbacks tied to their distressing experiences. While these thoughts can be incredibly challenging and disrupt your ability to concentrate, sleep or engage in everyday activities, remember there is hope. The developer of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, EMDR therapy, Dr. Francine Shapiro reassures us that intrusive thoughts and flashbacks are common symptoms of unresolved trauma, and that effective therapeutic interventions are available to help you overcome these experiences. With the right support and guidance, you can work through your past trauma and reclaim your sense of wellbeing. If you find this video relatable and helpful, please give the video a thumbs up and subscribe to the channel. Now, moving on to the next point. Avoidance behaviors. Have you ever avoided a particular place or conversation fearing that it might trigger painful memories or emotions? You're walking down the street and you see a familiar building up ahead. Instead of continuing on your path, you decide to take a detour, avoiding that place altogether, as it's a painful reminder of a traumatic event from your past. You also find yourself withdrawing from friends and family and avoiding conversations that could potentially bring up distressing memories. While normal stress may cause you to engage in some avoidance behaviors, trauma-related avoidance is often more extreme and persistent, significantly impacting your ability to function and maintain relationships. Dr. John Brer, a trauma expert, explains that avoidance behaviors are common coping mechanisms for trauma, but acknowledging and addressing them can improve functioning in relationships with the right support, leading to a renewed sense of balance in life. Intrusive dreams or nightmares. Have you ever experienced vivid and distressing dreams or nightmares related to your traumatic experience? Imagine going to bed with the hope of a peaceful night's sleep, only to be plagued by intense dreams that recreate the trauma you've endured. These vivid nightmares can feel so real and terrifying that they leave you feeling shaken and afraid to sleep. A top psychiatrist and trauma expert, Dr. Judith Lewis-Hurman, points out that recurring nightmares are a typical symptom among trauma survivors, revealing the lasting effects of the traumatic event on their mind. Trauma-related nightmares disrupt sleep, leaving you exhausted and anxious. They're not ordinary nightmares, but signs of unresolved trauma. Recognizing the connection between your experiences and these nightmares is vital for healing and finding support. Emotional numbing and detachment. Have you ever felt disconnected from your emotions or unable to experience joy? Pleasure. Imagine going through life feeling like you're merely going through the emotions. Detached from the full range of human emotions, you find it difficult to experience joy, love, or even sadness, as if you're living in a state of emotional numbness. This emotional numbing is a common response to trauma, where the mind protects itself by shutting down certain emotions to cope with overwhelming experiences. In The Body Keeps the Score, psychiatrist Dr. Bessel van der Kolk highlights how trauma affects our ability to feel and connect with others. Emotional numbing and detachment serve as protective measures, but it's crucial to realize that staying in this state isn't healthy. Seeking support and therapy can help you rediscover your emotions and lead a richer, more fulfilling life. Recognizing the differences between normal stress and trauma responses is essential for healing. And reaching out to a mental health professional can be a vital step towards recovery for you or a loved one. With the right support, you're not alone in overcoming these challenges and growth is possible. Feel free to share your experiences and pass this video along to others who may benefit. See you next time. Remember, you matter. We're releasing our first book. Filled with fun psychology life hacks and amazing scientific studies that we couldn't fit into just a video. Available wherever you buy books and on Amazon. Check the description to find out how to pre-order.