Ask Allison: Recently, I over-react a lot and assume the worst of people. I’ve had a lot of trauma with my family. Is this why?

After experiencing trauma, it can be extremely hard to leave survival mode. Photo: Getty Images

Allison Keating

Question: I am looking for some help on managing how I approach things. I used to think of myself as a very level-headed woman but recently, I find I am completely overreacting to things in my head before they even happen and getting very stressed about it. I am not sure if it is anxiety or what, but it is starting to affect my sleep as I wake up worrying about interactions that might happen.

I also find myself assuming the worst of people. For example, I have a very difficult long-time friend and I was due to talk to her about something. I was playing out all the controlling and domineering things she would say but when it came to the conversation, she was fine.