What is trauma?
We hear a lot about trauma. But what is trauma, really?
Linguistically, the word trauma means “wound” and originates from Greece. People often think of wounds as physical injuries, which was the original Greek definition. Wound is now more encompassing and includes more than just physical harm. We can also be wounded emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Remember - what is trauma to one person isn’t necessarily trauma to another - we all have our own framework. We also all have our own symptoms of or reactions to trauma, it can very a lot person to person.
Where does trauma come from?
The clinical definition of trauma includes exposure to an “actual or threatened” traumatic event. Sometimes people can feel like they’re experience ‘doesn’t count’ as trauma because no one was actually harmed or everything turned out ok (like in a traumatic birth), but thinking or believing that there is a real risk of death, serious injury, or sexual violence, whether experienced or witnessed - counts.
Childhood neglect
Physical, sexual and emotional abuse
Oppression: racism, discrimination, living in poverty
Medical care: either intense situations or care without proper consent
Adoption
Mental or physical disorders
Firsthand contact with someone who has a mental health disorder or substance abuse disorder
Violence: to you or others around you
Evading violence: refugees
Unmet expectations during vulnerable experiences or milestones in life
Natural disasters
Accidents: vehicles like cars, bikes, planes or other accidents like drowning
Undiagnosed or diagnosed neurodivergence: being forced to comply societal norms
Capitalism
What are common symptoms of trauma?:
Exhaustion
Anxiety or panic attacks
Confusion
Sadness
Numbness
Overly aware or hyperviligance
Replaying of the event in your mind
Sleep is difficult
Avoidance of situations or items associated with the traumatic event
Difficulty managing mood
So what can you do to help with your own trauma?
Knowledge about trauma
Know that after a traumatic event, having a variety of feelings is to be expected. Know what might be traumatic and what you might notice after a traumatic event.
Knowledge about yourself
Being in-tune with your body and brain will help identify any changes you are experiencing so you can reach out for support quickly.
Meeting your needs
Even though it sounds simple, meeting your basic needs, (as well as you can), is critical to make sure your body and brain have the capacity to do the hard work of healing. If eating, hydrating and sleeping are difficult, be kind to yourself. Eat what you can. Drink what you can. Sleep or rest when you can.
Therapy
If you look for a therapist, make sure they practice trauma-informed therapy. Some good modalities to look for in therapy include:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
Brainspotting
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
How can you support others after traumatic events?
Be a compassionate witness: listen, validate and believe them.
Know your boundaries and be realistic about the support you can provide.
Encourage them to find ways to receive support in multiple ways: therapy, friends, family, school.
Ask how you can support them.
Lessen their daily demands: offer to bring them food, walk their dog, wash their dishes or laundry.
Do not assume someone is traumatized. Everyone responds differently to challenging experiences.
Quick Take Aways on Trauma (the TL:DR version):
Trauma happens. It is a part of life.
Listen to your body and brain.
Be kind to yourself.
Validate, believe and listen to yourself and others.
Don’t assume someone else’s feelings.
Always offer to make food.
Diversify your support system - get professional help if you need it!
