Trauma happens to most of us sooner or later. We may lose our bearings for a short time or suffer for a long while. We may feel out of control or find ways to control others. We may simply react in ways we wish we wouldn’t and retreat into ourselves to avoid people, places, and memories that cause us pain. In other words, if you’ve experienced trauma, you might be markedly changed.
So, it’s no wonder if you are dealing with anxiety too. You might live with consistent upset and worry, wondering how to resolve the past or if a happier future lies ahead.
This is why PTSD was often described as a severe anxiety disorder in the past. Yet, research during the last couple of decades finds that trauma-related emotions like guilt, anger, and shame make PTSD inconsistent with a fear-based anxiety condition.
In other words, PTSD is not only the worry and dread linked to a scary situation. Much more is happening internally.
Trauma Treatment: Why PTSD is More than an Anxiety Disorder
It is important to know that anxiety can happen with or without a traumatic occurrence. Anxiety disorders are, by themselves, real and worthy of attention. Still, anxiety often evolves from a person’s internal beliefs or perceptions, disconnected from a specific circumstance.
On the other hand, surviving a trauma is different. A trauma survivor often relives the trauma repeatedly in their mind and body. Unhelpful beliefs and behavior arise from that experience.
Consider your own experience. Are you afraid and worried about something that could happen or might be true? Or do you feel unable to free yourself from the emotional, mental, and physical reactions that accompany a past experience?
Trauma can alter your perceptions and responses powerfully. It can also significantly change your nervous system. Essentially, there are markedly specific ways the brain and nervous system adjust to make sense of the dangers they now perceive.
Trauma Treatment: A Closer Look at the Relationship Between Anxiety Symptoms and PTSD Symptoms
Initially, it may appear that there is considerable overlap between anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Yet, a closer look reveals key differences.
Common Anxiety Symptoms
Irritability
Restlessness or fatigue
Hypervigilance or controlling behavior
Intrusive or racing thoughts
Excessive worry or fear
A persistent sense of doom
Insomnia or disrupted sleep
Digestive trouble or nausea
Muscle tension, aches, and pain
Poor focus or ability to concentrate
Common PTSD Symptoms
The symptoms above are often shared by trauma sufferers. However, the trauma itself determines how they are experienced. PTSD symptoms are typically grouped in the following ways:
Re-experiencing: you live in a recurring state of fight-or-flight. Reliving the event when triggered is common. You may also deal with nightmares and flashbacks, possibly even coping with physical sensations linked to your trauma.
Avoidance. Are you unable to maintain a healthy connection with others, your environment, and yourself? You may avoid anything or anyone that is connected to your trauma. You may even feel generally detached or emotionally numb.
Negativity. Do you often think pessimistic or defeatist thoughts about yourself and the world around you? You may develop a deep distrust in the safety and reliability of others. As a result, joy and positive connections seem less possible.
Arousal. Are you reactive, irritable, and on edge? Loved ones may call you controlling or combative. Your relationships may be struggling due to your outbursts or reckless behavior. Trouble sleeping or difficulty paying attention is not unusual. Significant periods of hypervigilance are common too.
The primary point here? If you are a trauma survivor with PTSD symptoms, more than anxiety needs to be addressed. Your symptoms are likely connected to traumatic memories. Your emotions and nervous system may be stuck, reacting to past pain again and again.
Fortunately, hope and help aren’t far away.
Trauma Treatment: Therapy Can Help You Recover
PTSD stifles healthier thinking and relationships. But you don’t have to go on this way. Even if you aren’t really sure where your emotional pain originates, you can still reach out for help.
A therapist can help you manage your emotional state safely and patiently as you determine the best way forward. I have the experience to support you. You can feel better and live well.
Let’s take the next step together. I am experienced and qualified to help you heal. Please read more about my Trauma Treatment services. Contact me for a consultation soon.