Ouch My Trauma Hurts (OMTH) 

Trauma trigger alert- violence described below. 

When I first met Colonel Don (in above picture), he made a request: “Please don’t come up behind me and put your hand on my shoulder, because I have trauma from the war and might slap my arm back and hit you without meaning to.” That’s hypervigilance- a trauma symptom where someone quickly feels attacked or threatened. 
If you know someone has been traumatized, you would be kind to ask before touching them. When I am evaluating someone, I may ask while they cry, may I put my hand on your shoulder for a few moments? I have no way of knowing if they were harmed on the shoulder previously- not without asking. I often do the same in personal relationships where I suspect there’s been trauma. Trauma lives in our brains for a long time. I hope for you recognition and healing so that comfort and close, loving relations are in your lives. 

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified professional for specific concerns.