When the Stress of Covid-19 Triggers Trauma

Many people who experience trauma try to just put the experience behind them. They mistakenly ignore the ramifications of traumatic events pretending like they never happened. The thing is that triggers eventually pop up. A trigger is a type of stimulus that reminds you of a past trauma. It can be as predictable as a smell or a sound, but it can also be much more complicated. Triggers don’t just make you uncomfortable, they can cause you to relive the entire traumatic event all over again. People are complex human beings and unaddressed trauma can leave you feeling helpless.

Stress and Trauma Are Related

When you say the word ‘trauma,’ people automatically think of physical events or injuries, but trauma can be emotional, too. The sudden death of a loved one or an unexpected divorce can often cause emotional trauma. Sometimes just witnessing a tragic event can cause emotional trauma. Any type of trauma causes a stress response in your body. Chemicals are released to physically prepare you for the fight or flight response. This is a natural and inevitable process which can repeat itself during a flashback. Your blood pressure and heart rate are naturally increased, and you may begin sweating. You may also go through other changes as you try to cope. Some people experience nightmares and/or mood swings while others tend to withdraw from family and friends. You may also develop more severe symptoms like anxiety, fear, or depression. Everyone deals with trauma differently.

Traumatic Stress of Covid-19

The fear and uncertainty of the covid-19 pandemic is intense and unpredictable. Lockdowns have altered daily schedules and prevented the in-person socialization people have come to depend on. Fear of a loved one falling ill, or getting sick yourself, can cause severe anxiety. The long-term stress of extreme lifestyle changes and lack of confidence in a resolution eventually take a toll. Even those with no history of trauma are susceptible to the chronic stress of covid-19 and we have much to learn of the long-term ramifications. Unfortunately, those already coping with past trauma can be especially vulnerable to the stress and social isolation caused by the pandemic. Research shows that social support systems dramatically reduce mental health deterioration.  Extended isolation can increase the symptoms of unresolved trauma.

Managing Stress and Anxiety

The symptoms of trauma manifest differently for each person. Chronic unresolved stress and anxiety can trigger the pain of traumatic events. Luckily, it is possible to treat the mind, body, and spirit as you learn healthy coping mechanisms to help you heal from trauma. If you’re dealing with unresolved trauma or anxiety due to the stress of covid-19, contact Joe Langheim Counseling today to schedule a consultation. I’m a passionate experienced certified trauma therapist who utilizes several gentle therapeutic modalities to help people discover their purpose and power.