Resource
How Trauma Affects Mood
Trauma is complicated. It affects every individual survivor differently, based on our unique experiences and support structures. We grow up in different families and cultures, each with their own patterns and values, developing various skills and coping mechanisms.
So it makes sense that reactions to trauma may look very different from one survivor to the next—there is no “normal,” standard response to trauma. One person may describe intense anger, anxiety or overwhelm after a traumatic experience, while another may feel numb, exhausted or apathetic. Maybe you’ve felt all of the above in a single day.
“Reactions to trauma may look different from one survivor to the next—there is no “normal,” standard response to trauma.”
You may also notice physiological disruptions, like restless sleep, loss of appetite, even panic attacks. Maybe you find it’s hard to take pleasure in what once you brought you joy. It can be difficult to feel connected to and safe with other people, even trusted family, friends and intimate partners. All of this takes an emotional toll.
Sexual trauma can upend our sense of safety, in the world and in our bodies. It can stir up feelings of shame, guilt, fury and betrayal. It can make us feel lost, hopeless or utterly alone. But here’s the truth: you are not alone. And feelings tend to pass.
It’s important to make space for your feelings, all of them, even the big, ugly, or uncomfortable ones. Because something ugly happened, and it wasn’t your fault. Of course it’s going to affect how you feel and function from day to day, even hour to hour.
“Something ugly happened, and it wasn’t your fault. Of course it’s going to affect how you feel and function from day to day.”
There’s a ton of research that confirms the powerful influence of trauma on our emotional lives. And for every piece of published research, there are countless stories from survivors that can help us see how trauma shapes our moods and feelings about ourselves and others, and about the world around us. It can be comforting to know there’s no “right” way to feel or to heal. It’s important that we give ourselves the space and the grace to be messy, or mad, or sad, or even okay. Just being able to notice and name a feeling can be a powerful step toward healing.
That said, not everyone feels safe in their feelings. Maybe you have to perform “okay-ness” just to get through the day. Maybe you don’t feel totally secure even looking at this website.
First and foremost, you have to take care of yourself. The world needs you. This community needs you. You are a survivor and how you survive is up to you. Just remember: emotional struggles and mood swings are a common response to trauma. You are not broken. You are human. And though we may not know each other, we share something in common—we deserve kindness, patience, and respect. We are worthy of it. And we can feel whole again. Especially when we speak and listen to each other. We can learn from one another. We can help each other heal.
“Emotional struggles and mood swings are a common response to trauma. You are not broken. You are human.”
Sources + Further Reading
National Center for PTSD: Common Reactions after Trauma
HelpGuide: Emotional and Psychological Trauma
National Library of Medicine: Understanding the Impact of Trauma