When Trauma Comes Back: Understanding Why Symptoms Reappear
We tend to think of trauma healing as a clean, linear journey with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
However, healing generally looks more like the ocean. There are days when the ocean is calm, and you can breathe freely, have clarity of thought, and feel grounded. Other days, waves unexpectedly come in. Some waves are small and manageable; others feel like a surge and take you back to a time in your life that you thought had just passed. The waves you are experiencing could be considered repeating symptoms of trauma. This may come in the form of intrusive thoughts, sudden emotional outbursts, or just feeling anxious with no idea of what is triggering the anxiety. It could also show up as difficulty sleeping, feeling irritable, or feeling detached. Additionally, it may be accompanied by a strong response to something that you thought would not be triggering.
This can make you feel confused or discouraged. The most important thing to remember is that this does not mean that you have gone backwards.
Why can trauma symptoms reappear?
The way we experience our existence is greatly influenced by our mental states. Much like how the ocean is shaped by various forces of nature (tides, wind, and unseen water currents), our emotional state reflects how many different aspects of our lives are affecting us (stress, relationships, and even to a certain degree one's own personal growth). New environments or circumstances that have both positive and negative aspects sometimes cause us to revisit parts of an experience that we didn't completely process in the past. So, sometimes what appears to be a negative occurrence actually represents a greater opportunity for healing at a deeper level from a past experience.
When you start to become aware of your own growth, this may be the time when your mind and body will give you an opportunity to revisit a moment or experience that at one point seemed insurmountable to deal with. When this happens, it is not a "failure" or an indication of your weaknesses; rather, there may be something going on within yourself that could use some extra loving-kindness and attention at this moment.
How can I cope when symptoms resurface?
When those waves do come, your objective should not be to resist them but rather find a sense of steady ground:
Acknowledge what you feel; do not judge yourself for feeling it.
Identify any change in your life or environment that may have recently occurred.
Use a coping tool that has worked in the past; even if it seems to be trivial.
Ground yourself in the present moment; feelings, unlike waves in the ocean, will recede.
Should you feel the need, reach out to a trusted friend/family member or a mental health professional.
What does healing really look like?
Even though waves of trauma are still present, learning the ability to handle them is also something that can happen over time as well. Something that once seemed unmanageable becomes something you can understand, process, and handle with increased compassion. Healing will not provide you with a guarantee that you will never again have a trigger response; however, you will learn to survive when those waves resurface.
A gentle reminder
It is often helpful to remind yourself of these moments as an ongoing journey, requiring time, attention, and great care. We have a team of therapists who are ready to support you. Contact us today.