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8 Signs of PTSD That Often Go Unrecognized: How EMDR Therapy Can Help



Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a challenge that many people face, yet it often remains misunderstood. While it's common to associate PTSD with soldiers or first responders, the reality is that anyone can experience it after going through a traumatic event. This can include situations that might not immediately come to mind, like emotional abuse, unwanted sexual contact, bullying, car accidents, or even the painful experience of a divorce. Natural disasters and the loss of a loved one can also lead to PTSD. The symptoms of PTSD are not limited to just flashbacks and nightmares; they can manifest in various ways, affecting everyday life and relationships in significant ways.


Additionally, there are symptoms of PTSD that frequently go unnoticed or are misunderstood, causing many people to suffer in silence without receiving the necessary assistance. Many of the clients I work with often express uncertainty, saying, "I'm not sure if I'm imagining it, if it was truly that severe, and besides, others have it much worse."


You are not crazy and it is not all in your head.

Yes, it was that bad.


Understanding these hidden signs is crucial in taking the first step toward healing. And the good news is, therapy—specifically EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy—can offer profound relief and a path to recovery.


1. Emotional Numbing and Detachment


You might feel like you're just "going through the motions" without really feeling much of anything. This emotional numbness is a common PTSD symptom, yet it’s often mistaken for someone just being "distant" or "cold." But for those with PTSD, it’s more about not being able to feel joy, sadness, or anything at all. The trauma takes away your ability to connect with the world on an emotional level. This type of unconscious detachment, also known as dissociation, serves as a protective function from psychological and/or physical injury. Think of it like how your ankle may swell up really big in response to twisting it. The swelling is an automatic function to buffer and protect the injury within. Dissociation works in a similar manner. I often ask my clients if they have ever felt like "their head was separate from their body" or if they have felt "here" but not really "here".


How EMDR helps: EMDR can help reprocess the emotional pain tied to trauma, allowing individuals to reconnect with their feelings, experiences, and relationships. It helps release the grip of numbness in a trusting and safe way and opens the door for emotional healing.


2. Physical Symptoms Without Clear Medical Explanation


Physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, and chronic pain can often be linked to unresolved trauma. Many people with PTSD experience these physical manifestations, but because they don’t always have a clear medical explanation, it can be frustrating and isolation. They are told that all of their bloodwork checks out as "normal" so their physical ailments are passed off simple "anxiety" and not taken seriously. Psychological pain disrupts the nervous system, often leading to very real physical symptoms, even without an official medical diagnosis.


How EMDR helps: EMDR works on both the emotional and physical levels, as it helps the brain process traumatic memories that may be causing the body’s physical responses. As these memories are reprocessed, many people notice a reduction in physical symptoms as well.


3. Avoidance of Triggers in Everyday Life


You may notice yourself avoiding certain places, people, or activities, and you might not even be fully aware of why. These triggers remind you of the trauma, and your brain wants to protect you by keeping you away from anything that feels dangerous. This avoidance, while protective in the short-term, can isolate you and make life feel smaller.


How EMDR helps: EMDR helps you safely face and reprocess these triggers so they no longer have the same power over you. It gently desensitizes the emotional charge that triggers bring, so you can live your life without constantly avoiding or shutting yourself off from the world.


4. Hyperarousal and Startle Responses


If you’re constantly feeling on edge, jumpy at sudden noises, or easily irritated, you may be experiencing hyperarousal. This state of heightened alertness can be exhausting and lead to difficulty sleeping or concentrating. It’s like your body is stuck in “fight or flight” mode even when there’s no immediate danger.


How EMDR helps: Through EMDR, your brain can process the stuck trauma and reset the nervous system. Over time, this can reduce hyperarousal symptoms, helping you feel calmer and more at ease.


5. Memory Problems and Cognitive Fog


You might find yourself forgetting things, losing focus, or feeling like your mind is foggy. It’s frustrating, and it can feel like you’re losing your sense of self. These cognitive difficulties are common for those with PTSD, but they’re often mistaken for something unrelated to trauma such as ADHD, hormonal imbalance, or a mood disorder like Bipolar. While these experiences may be co-occurring, addressing the root cause(s) of PTSD is paramount in getting a clearer picture of what else is impacting your well being.


How EMDR helps: EMDR therapy helps to clear the fog by addressing the root causes of cognitive disruptions. As your brain reprocesses the trauma, mental clarity and improved concentration naturally follow.


6. Excessive Guilt or Shame


You may feel deep, lingering guilt or shame after a traumatic event, even if there’s no rational reason for it. Survivors of trauma often blame themselves or feel like they don’t deserve peace or happiness. These feelings can be incredibly isolating and hard to shake.


How EMDR helps: EMDR helps shift those feelings of guilt and shame by reprocessing the memories that keep those emotions stuck. Over time, it allows you to release the weight of self-blame and step into a place of self-compassion.


7. Difficulty in Relationships

Trauma can create trust issues, fear of vulnerability, and difficulty opening up to others. As a result, relationships with family, friends, and partners can feel strained or disconnected. This can create a cycle of isolation, making recovery feel even more challenging.


How EMDR helps: EMDR can help repair the emotional scars that make relationships difficult. It allows individuals to process past hurts and build healthier, more fulfilling connections with others.


8. Substance Abuse or Risky Behaviors


Some people with PTSD turn to substances or risky behaviors as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings. It can seem like a temporary escape, but in reality, these coping mechanisms often make things worse and delay the healing process. It is normal to not want to experience painful emotions. Numbing with alcohol or drugs is definitely one way to try to do that, but wholly ineffective.


How EMDR helps: EMDR helps to address the root causes of the emotional pain, making these unhealthy coping mechanisms less necessary. It creates space for healthier ways of managing emotions and stress.


Take the First Step Toward Healing


If any of these signs resonate with you, know that you’re not alone. Trauma is complex, and recovery isn’t linear. But there is hope, and you don’t have to do it on your own. EMDR therapy is a proven, effective treatment for PTSD, helping people process traumatic memories, reduce emotional pain, and rebuild their lives.


By addressing the emotional wounds of the past, EMDR therapy helps you reclaim control over your life, reduce distressing symptoms, and reconnect with the person you are meant to be. Whether you’ve struggled with PTSD for years or just recently noticed the impact it’s having on your life, EMDR can make a meaningful difference.


If you’re ready to start your healing journey, take a moment to consider reaching out to a licensed therapist who specializes in EMDR. It’s completely normal for the first step to feel daunting, but remember, every great journey begins with a single step. Embracing this path can lead you to a brighter, more peaceful future filled with hope and possibility.



 

Erica Wilcox, LPC is a Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant in East Hampton, CT. She is the Founder and CEO of Wilcox Wellness Center for Personal Growth and speaks globally about mental health and wellness. She specializes in intensive EMDR therapy and works with clients across the nation who travel to Connecticut for a self-led therapy retreat focused on intensive EMDR and healing.


Contact Erica at ewilcox@wilcoxwellness.com to connect and take your next step towards freedom.

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