What can traumatic stress affect?

Traumatic stress may affect:

Cognitive functioning. Those who have suffered traumatic stress may act irrationally, in ways that are out of character for them, and have difficulty making decisions. They may have difficulty sharing or retrieving memories.

Physical health. Traumatic stress can cause a range of physical symptoms – from exhaustion to health problems.

Interpersonal relationships. Those who survive traumatic stress may undergo temporary or long-term personality changes that make interpersonal relationships difficult.