Yes, it is entirely normal to feel overwhelmed, distressed, or like you're losing control when trauma is triggered. Trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on a person's emotional and psychological well-being. When a traumatic event or memory is triggered, it can lead to intense emotional and physical reactions, often referred to as a "trauma response."
Some common reactions to trauma triggers may include:
Emotional distress: Feeling overwhelmed, scared, anxious, angry, or numb.
Physical symptoms: Increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, dizziness, or feeling like you're going to faint.
Flashbacks or intrusive memories: Feeling as though you are reliving the traumatic event.
Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from oneself or the present moment.
Hypervigilance: Being on high alert and easily startled.
Avoidance: Trying to avoid situations, people, or places that remind you of the trauma.
Feeling out of control: Feeling like you're going crazy or losing touch with reality.
These reactions are part of the body and mind's natural response to traumatic experiences. Trauma can affect the brain's ability to process information and emotions, leading to a heightened state of arousal or a dissociative state in response to triggers.
If you're experiencing these feelings, it's crucial to seek support from mental health professionals who specialize in trauma and can help you navigate the impact of trauma on your life. Trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), can be particularly helpful in addressing trauma triggers and their effects.
Remember that healing from trauma is a process, and it's okay to seek help and support during this time. Trauma survivors can learn coping strategies to manage triggers and find ways to foster resilience and growth in the aftermath of trauma.