Is There a Connection Between Trauma and Anxiety?

Trauma and anxiety are two completely different mental health conditions. While they may have their own definitions, diagnoses, and signs and symptoms, the two disorders often go hand in hand. 

It’s not uncommon for someone who has endured a trauma to experience anxiety. It’s also not uncommon for someone who has anxiety to show signs of a previous trauma. While there are differences between the two, there are also many similarities. 

Is there a connection between trauma and anxiety? Let’s find out! 

What is Trauma?

Trauma is a negative and, unfortunately, fairly common experience that almost everyone in the world will experience throughout their lifetime. It’s an emotional response to any type of stressful or disturbing event or experience. Typically, the event or experience is difficult for someone to cope with and can lead to ongoing signs and symptoms.

What is Anxiety?

Similar to trauma, anxiety can also be a negative and fairly common experience that can impact almost everyone in the world. Anxiety is one of the many different emotions that a person can experience throughout their day and lifetime. It’s the feeling of fear or dread about a certain situation.

The Connection

Anxiety is one of the many different types of responses or signs of trauma. When the body and brain experience a traumatic event, they try to defend themselves by entering the fight or flight mode. This action can alter the state of normal functioning that the brain and body perform. After a trauma, since it’s difficult for the body and brain to determine if the perceived threat has passed, they tend to stay in a heightened protective state. This defense mechanism can lead to anxiety.

The Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety from Trauma

Both anxiety and trauma can look different on a person-by-person basis. No two people will share the exact same cause, signs, or symptoms of trauma or anxiety. The experience will be unique to each individual. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of anxiety related to trauma:

• Avoiding certain people and places that act as a reminder to the traumatic event

• Chronic aches and pains

• Constant worry or dread

• Difficulty sleeping

• Digestive issues

• Emotional

• Feeling on edge

• Flashbacks

• Headache

• Hypervigilant

• Intrusive memories

• Lack of concentration

• Nightmares

• Panic attacks

• Rapid heart rate

• Ruminating on what happened

• Shortness of breath

• Sweating

• Tense

How to Cope

While there is a connection between trauma and anxiety, anxiety is typically a response or sign of the trauma that occurred. Coping with anxiety that is related to trauma means that you have to treat the trauma instead of just focusing all of your efforts on the anxiety. When you have trauma-related anxiety, the focal point must be on the trauma to overcome the signs and symptoms that you’re struggling with.

While proper treatment with the help of a licensed and trained mental health professional is recommended, there are certain lifestyle changes that you can implement to help better manage the anxiety you’re struggling with.

• Avoid or reduce consumption of alcohol or caffeine

• Distract yourself

• Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet

• Get outside

• Identify your triggers

• Journal

• Lean on your loved ones

• Listen to music

• Move your body

• Practice relaxation techniques

• Prioritize your sleep

• Take breaks

If the signs or symptoms you’re struggling with are hurting your daily life and routine, you need to seek help as soon as possible. You are not defined by your trauma or your anxiety. It’s time to take back control of your life again. We’re here to help you when you’re ready. Reach out to us today to set up an initial consultation.