How do you remember past trauma?

To do this, people often have to talk in detail about their past experiences. Through talking, they are able to acknowledge the trauma—remember it, feel it, think about it, share it and put it in perspective.

What triggers past trauma?

Triggers can include sights, sounds, smells, or thoughts that remind you of the traumatic event in some way. Some PTSD triggers are obvious, such as seeing a news report of an assault. Others are less clear. For example, if you were attacked on a sunny day, seeing a bright blue sky might make you upset.

How do you talk to someone who has been traumatized?

Reassure them that distress is to be expected after what they have experienced. Make another time to talk if it seems like the person is too distressed to continue. Understand that talking about trauma can be painful, and the person may get upset.

Why do I avoid things that remind me of my trauma?

Sometimes we avoid people, places, or things related to our trauma because they trigger the painful memory. For example, we might avoid TV shows that remind us of the event. Other times we might avoid things because they feel dangerous, like a section of the city where we were assaulted.

Should I tell my friends about my trauma?

Studies have shown that disclosing trauma seems to reduce distress in people who are carrying it, and of course, we want to be there for our friends when they’re having a hard time. But we can have many conflicting instincts in the moment of disclosure: to reassure the person, try to get them help, or dissociate from the experience ourselves.

How do you make sense of trauma?

It’s unspeakable—more of a roar than words. Therefore, turning the unspeakable into language is necessary to make sense of trauma. Talking to your therapist, trusted friends or family, or, interestingly, your journal, is a great place to start and continue your processing.