Are you experiencing symptoms that might be caused by anxiety, panic, or trauma?
- Have you had difficulty falling or staying asleep?
- Do you find yourself having “flashbacks” or nightmares about past experiences?
- Are you feeling extra “on edge”?
- Do you have trouble concentrating?
- Have you noticed yourself avoiding certain “triggers” that remind you of painful or stressful experiences?
- Do you have times when you lose it, or feel like you’re going to? Shaking, crying, and feeling faint?
Psychological trauma and anxiety occurs when we are faced with an overwhelming amount of stress that exceeds our abilities to cope. Over time, this can lead to serious, ongoing and recurring issues, in some cases stemming from wounds created by traumatic experiences. Maybe you notice yourself avoiding things that remind you of certain stressors, or turning towards alcohol or drugs as an escape from difficult emotions. You might feel disconnected in your relationships, and feel isolated and alone. It’s possible that you frequently feel “on the defensive” and ready to fight or flee at a moment’s notice. This could be impacting your ability to sleep, to work, to parent, or even to be fully present in the things you once enjoyed.


It’s normal to experience traumatic stress after a disturbing event. Currently the COVID-19 pandemic, violent crime, police brutality or/and civil unrest are causes. Having experienced traffic accidents, sudden loss, natural disaster, or abuse can create chronic anxiety and/or trauma. Traumatic stress can make us feel like we have lost control over our lives, and can trigger feelings of anxiety and depression. When you experience prolonged exposure to traumatic stress, such as suddenly having to adapt to working or learning from home, being unable to see loved ones, or not being able to mark certain milestones in your life (weddings, funerals, graduations…) you might start having difficulty “returning to baseline,” and getting your anxiety level back under control.