Traumatic, stressful or shocking events can have a major impact on your mental health. These events are relatively common: According to the National Center for PTSD, about 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. By the time they’re in college, many people have already experienced major traumatic events. A report from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health revealed that over 45% of college students seeking mental health services had experienced traumatic events in the past. Extreme stressful events can include natural disasters, car accidents and sudden personal losses. In many cases, these events lead to acute stress disorder (ASD). This condition is sometimes referred to as mental or psychological shock, though it’s not commonly used in clinical settings.

Acute stress disorder is a short-term condition. It’s typically associated with mental health symptoms that occur immediately after the trauma and last from three days up to 1 month. Though ASD is considered short-term, if left untreated, it can increase the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other long-term mental health issues. Left untreated, ASD can lead to other trauma-related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you’re not sure whether you’re experiencing the effects of ASD, learning about the symptoms of this condition may shed some light on your own situation.

Symptoms of acute stress disorder

• Intrusive thoughts — Intrusive thoughts are a common symptom of ASD. In the days and weeks after a traumatic event, you may have persistent, intrusive thoughts relating to the event. These intrusive thoughts can come in many different forms. For example, you may experience sudden flashbacks to the event. You may have nightmares about the event as well. Intrusive thoughts can be distressing, as they pop up unexpectedly and can be difficult to suppress. Professional mental health treatment can be crucial to processing the experience and reducing intrusive thoughts in the future.
• Emotional numbness — Major traumatic events are often associated with strong emotions. While you may feel overwhelming emotions during a traumatic experience, emotional numbness afterward is not uncommon. ASD can lead to numbness and detachment. You may have a hard time experiencing sorrow or joy, which can have a major impact on your behaviors as well. Activities that usually make you happy, including your favorite hobbies, may start to seem less interesting. You may have a hard time finding the motivation to keep up with your responsibilities. This emotional numbness often fades over time. Working with a licensed clinical therapist, you can start reconnecting with your emotions and making a recovery.
• Anxiety — Feeling on edge for an extended period following a traumatic event is common. After a traumatic experience, you may feel especially anxious and irritable. You may even start to lash out with aggressive behaviors. The behavior shift that can follow a traumatic event can have a big impact on your daily life. As a college student, you may notice more strain in your relationships. You may also notice an academic decline. Professional treatment can be key to getting the support you need to stay on track.
• Physical effects — The effects of trauma aren’t just mental; they can also impact your physical well-being. Even if you’re not physically injured, you may start to experience persistent pain and discomfort. These symptoms are often connected to anxiety. Common physical symptoms of ASD include headaches and stomachaches. You may have a hard time getting your body to enter a relaxed state. Constantly tensed muscles can lead to aches and pains throughout your body. While some physical symptoms like aches tend to be persistent, others can come in waves. For example, you may experience waves of nausea or vertigo. These may coincide with intrusive thoughts. If you want to improve your physical symptoms, addressing your mental condition first can be essential.
• Avoidance — Reminders of your trauma may trigger symptoms such as intrusive thoughts. As a result, you may fall into a pattern of avoidant behavior. If you experienced a traumatic event in the classroom, for example, you may avoid your courses for days or weeks. If you were in a car accident, you may avoid traveling on the road. Though avoidance can feel necessary to protect yourself, it tends to be counterproductive. Avoidance can negatively affect your life and hinder your ability to process your experiences. Instead of practicing avoidance, a therapist can help you confront your experiences directly and work toward long-term healing.

Lightfully U can provide the tools and guidance you need to process your trauma

At Lightfully U, we understand the importance of effective mental health support following a traumatic experience. We approach trauma with a foundation of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care. Our deeply compassionate licensed clinical therapists are ready to help you take the next step forward on your mental health journey.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to address your acute stress disorder symptoms, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.