The Hidden Symptoms of Trauma
Hidden Symptoms of Trauma – Key Takeaways
Trauma is not always obvious. Beyond dramatic events, unresolved trauma can show up as anxiety, depression, shame, panic attacks, chronic pain, dissociation, or difficulties in trust and relationships. Many people dismiss these symptoms, unaware they may be linked to past experiences. Dr. Millia Begum, a UK-trained Consultant Psychiatrist and trauma specialist in Dubai, offers trauma-informed care using EMDR therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and other approaches. Her gentle, evidence-based methods focus on healing at the root, without re-traumatization—helping clients move from survival patterns toward resilience and wholeness.
Have you ever wondered what the hidden symptoms of trauma are?
You might say, “I don’t think I have experienced trauma,” or “My current health symptoms are not related to my past.” Hang on! Many people lose the emotional significance of their past and underestimate its emotional and physical impact on their present life. This disconnection is typical and tends to worsen over time.
Dr Millia, Consultant Psychiatrist at the First Psychiatry Clinic, Dubai, explains.
What is Trauma?
Trauma isn’t just about dramatic events, such as wars or accidents. Any childhood or adult life experiences can be framed as trauma if it has shaped our lives, our view of the world, our relationships, and our sense of self, identity, or worth.
What are the symptoms of unresolved trauma?
Those with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex PTSD may experience—
• Recurrent intrusive memories of past experiences (replaying and recounting)
• Vivid snippets and images called flashbacks
• Anxiety, irritability, and rage
• Sleep issues, tension, and bodily pain.
• Avoidance and isolation
• Concern about trust and safety- Hypervigilance and Scanning for danger.
• Avoiding closeness, distancing from others
• Feelings of shame, diminished self-worth, and inadequacy
• Depression, panic attacks, and anxiety may reflect underlying trauma, grief, and loss.
If you’ve recognized some of these patterns in your life, you’re not alone. You are welcome to reach out for a consultation whenever it is right for you.
What are triggers from unresolved trauma?
When trauma isn’t resolved, certain triggers can force us to relive past pain:
• Emotional triggers: rejection, disrespect, feeling ignored
• Somatic triggers: certain tones, body language, physiological responses
• Sensory triggers: smells, touch, internal sensations
• Circumstantial triggers: specific places, times, or contexts
For instance, unfair treatment at work or exposure to news of child abuse might provoke intense emotional or bodily reactions tied to past trauma.
What are the types of trauma?
Trauma comes in many forms, not just dramatic life events:
• Childhood neglect/attachment trauma
• Complex PTSD from ongoing abuse or stress
• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
• Medical trauma: ICU stays, misdiagnoses
• Narcissistic or relational trauma
• Grief‑related trauma from sudden loss
• Migration or cultural displacement trauma
• Intergenerational trauma—patterns passed through generations
What is Attachment Trauma?
Attachment is a secure feeling that a child experiences from the caregiver. The felt sense of belonging, being cared for, and feeling safe and attuned with the caregivers.
A child who grows up in a dual reality of needing their parents’ attachment while also feeling unsafe to be their true, authentic Self. The child must wear protective gear and costumes to protect themselves, and as adults, they continue to use such creative survival gear both internally and externally.
What is Dissociation?
Dissociation is an aspect within us that disconnects us from painful realities, whether they are inside of us or outside of us.
If trauma is unresolved within us, our internal experiences do not feel safe, which takes us to being outside of ourselves in body and mind. Similarly, when outer reality is painful, we often choose to employ a similar mechanism that filters out excessive pain and hurt.
What are the symptoms of Dissociation?
• Zoning out, procrastination
• Numbing, forgetting
• Convincing that it was not as bad
• Overworking and distracting
• Fogging and feeling like we are living in a cloud
• Feeling like we are out of our own bodies
• Feeling like the world is not real, and we are like robots
•Feeling like we live in a bubble that disconnects us from reality
•Not having memories,feelings, sensations of extremely painful memories
How Trauma Therapy Helps—Without Re-traumatizing
Effective trauma therapy prioritizes safety, compassion, and gentle awareness:
• Builds internal safety before exploring deeper wounds
• Do not require reliving of painful memories
• Expands internal trust and awareness gently
💡 Learn more about PTSD, Complex PTSD, and depression-related therapy here.
Explore Therapy Options in Dubai—Find out which therapy is right for you—click here to compare services.
What Therapies Work for Trauma?
There are many therapies out there. Choosing them is not simple. Here is a list of them.
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)
• Sensory-motor psychotherapy
• Somatic Experiencing
About Dr. Millia
Dr. Millia Begum
is a trained trauma specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience in psychiatry and therapy. She trained in the UK’s NHS system and served the NHS in various senior roles.
She is a former EMDR Europe Approved Consultant, EMDR researcher, and board member of the EMDR Association UK. She is now a member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).
Dr. Millia is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist, bringing a compassionate, parts-informed approach to her work with clients in Dubai.