Trauma & Mental Health

How does trauma affect my body and mind?

Trauma can affect many parts of the body like broken bones, scrapes and bruises. Trauma can also have lasting effects on you and your loved ones both mentally and emotionally.

What is mental health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life.

How does trauma affect mental health?

Mental health issues can happen after or worsen after experiencing a traumatic event. This includes feelings of anxiety, stress, sadness or fear. Although these reactions are common, they can affect how you go about your daily life.

There are many resources to help you and your loved ones after surviving a trauma. Having strong support and building up your team of helpers can make all the difference in your recovery.

For some this includes family and friends. For others, your support team can include medical providers and “peers” or people who have experienced similar injuries as you.

What are some early warning signs of mental health problems?

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Pulling away from people or usual activities
• Experiencing low/no energy
• Feeling numb, hopeless, or like nothing matters
• Suffering unexplained aches and pains
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, irritated, angry, worried, or scared
• Experiencing severe mood swings
• Yelling or fighting with family and friends or lashing out
• Struggling with persistent thoughts/memories you can’t get out of your head
• Hearing voices or seeing things that others can’t
• Having thoughts of hurting yourself or others 

Some resources for you to explore:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness of North Carolina 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or in a crisis, text “NAMI” to 741741
• Wake Network of Care
• CDC – Coping with a Traumatic Event
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Resources 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• If you or someone you know is in crisis, Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).

Information adapted from mentalhealth.gov, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Image from mentalhealth.gov