For many, summer is a time of rest, freedom and outdoor enjoyment. However, for those living with the impact of trauma, the season can unexpectedly awaken painful memories, intense emotions and a heightened sense of vulnerability.
Trauma triggers aren’t always obvious - and they’re not limited to anniversaries or major life events. Sometimes, the warmth of the air, a familiar smell, or the sound of children playing outside can quietly reactivate the body’s memory of something deeply distressing.
If you find yourself feeling anxious, numb, irritable, or on edge during the summer months, you may be experiencing a trauma response. You are not alone and you’re not “overreacting.” Understanding your triggers and learning how to manage them is an important step toward healing.
There are several reasons why trauma may resurface more intensely during the summer:
Our nervous systems store trauma not just in memory, but in sight, sound, smell and touch. The scent of sunscreen, the sound of fireworks, or the feeling of heat on your skin can subconsciously bring you back to a traumatic time - especially if the trauma occurred in summer.
Regular routines offer a sense of structure and safety. During summer, with holidays, travel and school closures, these structures often dissolve. For someone with trauma, this lack of predictability can heighten stress and emotional reactivity.
Many traumatic experiences have anniversaries that fall in summer - whether related to loss, abuse, accidents, or violence. Sometimes these dates are remembered consciously, but often they show up in the body first: fatigue, mood swings, or anxiety with no clear cause.
Summer can amplify the social expectation to feel good, be outgoing and make memories. For someone managing trauma, these pressures can increase shame and isolation, particularly when their inner world doesn't match the external mood.
Some common signs of a trauma trigger include:
These responses are not signs of weakness - they are your body’s natural attempts to keep you safe.
While you can’t always avoid triggers, you can learn to navigate them with greater awareness and support. Here are some strategies that may help:
Use grounding techniques to reconnect to the present moment. Try naming five things you can see, four things you can feel, or focusing on your feet touching the ground. Breathwork, cold water, or soothing textures can also help.
Notice if your symptoms flare up at certain times, dates, or places. Journaling can help you connect dots between what you’re feeling and what might be triggering it.
You don’t need to say yes to every invite or event. It’s okay to create your own version of summer - one that prioritises rest, quiet and healing.
Trauma can isolate. Reach out to people who understand and respect your boundaries. You don’t need to explain everything - being seen and accepted is often enough.
Working with a trauma-informed therapist can help you explore your responses, process difficult memories and develop tools to regulate your nervous system. If you're looking for an English-speaking counsellor in Lisbon, I offer a calm, confidential space to support your healing journey.
Even in the brightest months, healing from trauma takes time and care. You deserve support - not just when things feel unbearable, but also when you're learning to live again.
If you’re noticing old wounds resurfacing this summer, know that it’s not a setback. Instead, it’s a signal that something in you is ready to be acknowledged with compassion.
Feel free to get in touch to arrange a free initial chat, or book your first appointment in person or online.
*The information provided in this blog post is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical or mental health professional advice. If you are struggling with any of the issues described in this post, please seek appropriate personalised help from a qualified mental health professional.
Sources:
American Psychological Association, PTSD and Triggers. Available at: https://www.apa.org
NICE Guidelines, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Management (NG116. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng116
Van der Kolk, B. A., The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma.
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