Complex trauma results from prolonged exposure to traumatic events, often occurring in early childhood or over an extended period, leading to deep psychological scars.

Symptoms:

• Difficulty regulating emotions

• Negative self-perception (shame, guilt)

• Dissociation or feeling disconnected from reality

• Difficulty trusting others

• Relationship difficulties (fear of intimacy)

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories

• Chronic anxiety or hypervigilance

Attachment trauma occurs when early bonds with caregivers are disrupted, leading to difficulties in forming secure, healthy relationships later in life.

Symptoms:

• Fear of abandonment or rejection

• Difficulty forming close relationships

• Inability to trust others

• Anxiety in relationships or social settings

• Emotional dysregulation (extreme mood swings)

• Feelings of insecurity or worthlessness

• Difficulty with emotional intimacy

PTSD occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It leads to long-lasting emotional and psychological distress that interferes with daily life.

Symptoms:

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the trauma

• Avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event

• Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response

• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares

• Emotional numbness or detachment

• Irritability or angry outbursts

• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems

Acute stress refers to the immediate reaction to a threatening or traumatic event. It typically lasts for a short period but can be intense and overwhelming.

Symptoms:

• Intense fear or anxiety following the event

• Hyperarousal or feeling “on edge”

• Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts

• Emotional numbness or detachment

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

• Irritability or mood swings

• Physical symptoms (racing heart, sweating)

Occupational trauma arises from experiencing traumatic events in the workplace, such as violence, accidents, or chronic stress in high-risk professions.

Symptoms:

• Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to work

• Avoidance of the workplace or certain tasks

• Hypervigilance or heightened startle response at work

• Emotional detachment or numbing

• Decreased job performance or absenteeism

• Feelings of fear, guilt, or shame related to work

• Burnout or chronic stress

Verbal abuse involves the use of words to demean, control, or hurt someone. It can be psychologically damaging, leading to long-term emotional distress.

Symptoms:

• Low self-esteem or confidence

• Anxiety or fear in relationships

• Feelings of worthlessness or shame

• Difficulty trusting others

• Depression or persistent sadness

• Hypervigilance or fear of confrontation

• Difficulty expressing emotions

Mental abuse, or psychological abuse, involves manipulating or controlling someone’s emotions, often leading to long-lasting psychological damage.

Symptoms:

• Confusion or self-doubt

• Anxiety or constant fear

• Feeling trapped or powerless

• Loss of self-worth or self-identity

• Hypervigilance or emotional numbness

• Depression or mood swings

• Social isolation or withdrawal

Physical abuse involves the intentional use of force to harm someone. It can lead to both physical injuries and long-term emotional and psychological trauma.

Symptoms:

• Physical injuries (bruises, cuts)

• Fear of the abuser or constant anxiety

• Hypervigilance or heightened startle response

• Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness

• Depression or withdrawal from others

• Difficulty forming trusting relationships

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories of abuse

Sexual abuse involves unwanted or forced sexual acts, which can cause deep emotional, physical, and psychological trauma for survivors.

Symptoms:

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the abuse

• Fear or avoidance of sexual activity

• Feelings of shame or guilt

• Difficulty forming intimate relationships

• Depression, anxiety, or PTSD

• Low self-worth or body image issues

• Emotional numbness or detachment