Trauma Response Reflection
For difficult events that still seem to be happening in the body.
After a frightening or overwhelming event, the nervous system can stay switched on long after the danger has passed. That is not a malfunction — it is protection that has not yet been told it can stand down.
This reflection asks about the four patterns that trauma research consistently describes: memories that arrive uninvited, avoidance of reminders, a persistent state of alertness, and shifts in mood or how you see yourself and others since the event.
Please take this only if you feel steady enough to. There are no descriptions of events here, but reflecting on your responses can still stir things up.
What this reflection looks at
- Intrusive memories, images, or dreams
- Avoidance of reminders, places, or conversations
- Hypervigilance, startle, and difficulty relaxing
- Changes in mood, trust, and self-view since the event
What it is not
PTSD can only be assessed by a qualified clinician, and this reflection is not a screening tool. If it brings up distress, please reach out to someone you trust or a crisis line.
What you get at the end
A short reflection written back to you in everyday language, a couple of gentle next steps, and — if you want them — a way to find a therapist who focuses on trauma and PTSD. You can have your result emailed to you, or skip that entirely.
Start the reflection