Arousal Signs of Those Who Have Experienced/ Are Experiencing a Trauma:
People react to trauma differently. Some may become aroused while others may become dissociative. Some body and behavioral reactions may include:
Body:
- Increased sympathetic response (heart rate, muscle tone, breathing)
- Eye blinking becomes more prevalent
- Pupils dilate
- Bladder relaxes
- Digestion is inhibited
- External focus is on the threat
- Internal cues are not prioritized
- Increased peripheral circulation
- Body prepares for flight or fight mode
Behaviors:
- Increased vigilance
- Impulsive actions and reactions
- Defiance
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Exaggerated response
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Although not all arousal behaviors and bodily reactions resemble those of the Incredible Hulk, many do.
Dissociative Signs:
Body:
- Increased parasympathetic activity (heart rate decreases)
- Eye blink decreases, eye roll increases
- Pupils constrict
- Bladder contracts
- Digestion is stimulated
- Internal focus increases to minimize injury
- Peripheral circulation decreases
Behaviors:
- Withdrawal
- Compliance
- Detached from present (reenacting experiences/ engaging with internal world / talking to self)
- Losing time, memory, or skills
- Seeming "spaced out" or in a fog
- Lack of connection to body or feeling pain
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