The word “Trauma” has been broadly used to describe our reaction to negative circumstances. Before it becomes a watered-down buzzword that joins the category of terms whose true definition has become lost in the fray of meaningless jargon, its important to understand its power and the weight it bears on our lives.
Trauma is defined as the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms our ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes sense of self and the ability to feel a full range of emotions and experiences. (IntegratedListening.com)
Ubiquitous and prevalent, trauma is experienced in varying degrees by at least 70% of the world population. Many of us have deep-seeded trauma and how we have coped with its effect in our lives can be seen in our relationships, how we view ourselves, communication styles, and even our world view.
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what events are defined as traumatic. Trauma can range in severity from being forced to live in a war-torn environment, to being raised in an abusive, needs-deficient household – from a personal assault to generational; “silent, covert, and undefined, surfacing through nuances and inadvertently taught or implied throughout someone’s life from an early age onward.” (M. English, Ph.D, Health.org).
While our understanding of what it is, is subjective our response to trauma is what determines our ability to thrive. Curious about what trauma responses you may experience? Here are a *few:
Common Responses and Symptoms of Trauma
Response to a traumatic event varies significantly among people, but there are some basic, common symptoms.
Emotional signs include:
- sadness
- anger
- denial
- fear
- shame
These may lead to:
- nightmares
- insomnia
- difficulty with relationships
- emotional outbursts
Common physical symptoms:
- nausea
- dizziness
- altered sleep patterns
- changes in appetite
- headaches
- gastrointestinal problems
Psychological disorders may include:
- PTSD
- depression
- anxiety
- dissociative disorders
- substance abuse problems
Ultimately, psychological intervention is important to helping us identify and evaluate trauma in our lives, as well as understand our response, and develop coping techniques. It is also important to understand that while trauma greatly impacts our lives, it is something to heal from and evolve with. For more information talk to a clinician at nugenttherapy.com
Sources:
Generational Trauma: Health.org
Different Degrees of Trauma; Psychology Today
Morning Upgrade says
A very informational blog about the effects that trauma can have on us. I like how you have explained that everyone is different in experiences, and their responses will vary as well. -Ryan
Christian Steinsworth says
Thank you for giving a great definition on trauma! I’ve noticed the word thrown around a lot, so nice to have a true description. It seems trauma can affect everyone differently, to different degrees. And sometimes, maybe people who “seem” to be able to handle trauma, have actually just pushed it deeper.
Christian Steinsworth recently posted…Surprise and Delight Marketing: A Lesson From Chewy
Ramiro guillen says
Bullying in school is a major contributor to childhood trauma. Sometimes emotional abuse could be worse than physical ones.
Ramiro guillen recently posted…What is Psychosis and What Can You Do About It?
John Gatesby says
Signs and symptoms of being traumatic are often ignored by a lots of people, they make the mistake of considering these signs as normal sadness or that of being a little angry. They need professional help actually.
John Gatesby recently posted…Coronavirus Induces Oxidative Stress Leading to Autonomic Dysfunction – Part 5
kawsar says
EMDR Therapy Uses to Overcome Trauma. You should learn about eye movement desensitization reprocessing therapy, how to release trauma stored in the body, how to heal from trauma on your own, evidence-based psychotherapy, trauma, and the nervous system, and more about EMDR Techniques. See more
kawsar says
EMDR Therapy Uses to Overcome Trauma. You should learn about eye movement desensitization reprocessing therapy, how to release trauma stored in the body, how to heal from trauma on your own, evidence-based psychotherapy, trauma, and the nervous system, and more about EMDR Techniques.
Carla Corelli says
I think that it is also worth mentioning that trauma persists in your body – it could present as tight muscles, or headaches… unfortunately the impact of trauma can plague us for years after the event 🙁
Carla Corelli recently posted…Perinatal Depression: What You Need to Know
About depression help says
Anxiety disorders or generalized anxiety disorder symptoms are mental health disorders that affect people alone or in groups.
The first thing you will discover when developing a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder is when you check in with yourself. Once you have learned about anxiety, the next step is to assess the person’s relationships in your life.
About depression help recently posted…03 best diagnosis and treatment of Anxiety disorders |
Susan David says
These are some really great points that you have highlighted! I believe that we all should be a little considerate towards each other as we don’t know what the other person is going through. I also had anxiety and then I started seeking therapy from KB Psychotherapy. I must admit that I have started seeing improvement in my behavior.
https://www.kbpsychotherapyllc.com/post/when-to-seek-therapy-for-childhood-trauma
Cynthia @ Activefamilychiroaz says
Trauma, whether it be physical, emotional, or psychological, can have a significant impact on a person’s overall well-being. Dizziness is a common symptom that can be associated with trauma, particularly when it is related to a head injury or concussion.
Cynthia @ Activefamilychiroaz recently posted…Are Chiropractors REAL Doctors?
Elena says
Thank you for this insightful exploration of trauma and its impact on us. It’s crucial to understand how past experiences can shape our present and future. Great blog!