Types of Trauma

Trauma is when something really bad or scary happens to someone, and it makes them feel really upset and scared. It could be something like a car accident, a bad storm, or even getting hurt or bullied. Sometimes, people who experience trauma might feel like they can’t stop thinking about what happened, and they might have trouble sleeping or eating. But it’s important to know that it’s not their fault and they’re not alone. Lots of people experience trauma, and there are grown-ups who can help them feel better. With time, patience, and support, people can heal from trauma and feel better again.

Trauma, or psychological trauma, is caused by certain events in a person that caused more than the usual stress, resulting in that person’s inability to cope with his daily life. Traumatic events usually lead to anguish, distress, and suffering, making traumatized persons maladaptive and incapable of making sense of their environment.

There are different types of trauma that people may experience. Here are a few examples:

1. Physical trauma: This is when someone is physically hurt or injured, such as in a car accident or through an act of violence.
2. Emotional trauma: This is when someone experiences a strong emotional shock or distress, such as from a loss, abuse, or witnessing a violent event.
3. Sexual trauma: This is when someone experiences any unwanted sexual activity, such as rape, molestation, or harassment.
4. Medical trauma: This is when someone experiences distress or fear related to medical procedures or illnesses, such as a serious illness or a difficult surgery.
5. Natural disaster trauma: This is when someone experiences a traumatic event caused by a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or wildfire.

It’s important to know that trauma can affect people in different ways, and everyone’s experiences and reactions are unique. If you or someone you know has experienced trauma, it’s important to seek help and support from a trusted adult or mental health professional.

The prime example of the first is single events like accidents, physical or sexual assault, or sudden demise of loved ones. On the other hand, chronic trauma results from continuing, persistent abuse like bullying and domestic violence.

Complex trauma results from the sense of being entrapped; vicarious trauma results from overexposure to others’ suffering, while the last one is experienced by children exposed to certain difficult conditions.

The trauma types may be diverse; all of them are reactions to specific events and situations. Thus, the psychology of trauma has to consider specific context, the particular individual experience, and the nature of the event or act itself. Specific strategies and treatments then could be applied depending on those factors.

The effects of trauma on mental health

Response to specific triggers, events, and conditions vary per individual. A traumatic event may not even result in trauma or post-traumatic stress disorders to some individuals. However, most traumatic events induce trauma and may lead to several signs and symptoms, making the individual have mental difficulty in their lives.

It is a normal process to have trauma after a traumatic event. Anxiety and depression are common,  but people usually adjust, recover, return to normal, and retake control of their lives. Some, however,  who are experiencing prolonged trauma or having post-traumatic stress disorder will usually alternate episodes of anxiety and depression.

And things could take a turn for the worse. One may continuously be in a depressive state and be melancholic, and ultimately, the possibility of a loss of meaning may occur. A continuous lack of interest brought about by this loss of meaning and continued depression may hamper the individual’s recovery.

It may lead to lifestyle problems. Alcoholism is one of the common features of individuals in a depressive state or suffering from PTSD. Others may develop varying forms of addiction, like drugs and gambling addiction, to escape the cycle of anxiety and depression.

Alcoholism and other forms of addiction could lead the individual further to a downward spiral and negatively impact their mental health. All because the individual has trouble escaping that traumatic past and cannot put himself back on track because of the traumatic event holding him back.

The effects of a traumatic event may vary per individual, as we say, but for those who are genuinely suffering, it could lead to serious mental health problems. Therefore, we must extend help to those suffering from it, particularly those who have post-traumatic stress disorder.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is a particular disorder brought about by a traumatic event, scenario, or condition. Unhealed trauma, or failure to seek professional help and therapy, may lead the suffering individual to have PTSD, which may condemn an individual to a life of suffering.

Those who have PTSD, aside from suffering from anxiety and depression, are at a heightened risk of developing other mental disorders in the long run. Those who have PTSD have a higher propensity to commit suicide than others.

PTSD could affect people of all classes, gender, and all ages. From children to the elderly, cases of PTSD have been amply documented. The human condition is as it is, where war, tragedy, suffering, and personal loss could occur anytime, there is the need to help those suffering from this malaise.

By help, we mean teaching them coping mechanisms and making available professional help. PTSD, most of the time, needs effective treatment for the suffering individual to allow him to take control of his life. Several strategies and treatment options are available for those who have PTSD, and one can avail of those treatment options depending on age, gender, or situation.

But PTSD is a long-term effect of having trauma, of the traumatic event. If one can manage one’s trauma, or individuals could be taught how to deal with it, the chances of developing PTSD for trauma victims are far lower. In the aftermath of any traumatic event, one must deal with the possibility of trauma as quickly as possible.

How to stay composed following a traumatic event

You can do these to prevent the possibility of trauma and PTSD:

Get some rest

Your body might be dealing with a lot of stress after a traumatic event. Allow your body and mind to recuperate, and do not force yourself to be active, especially after having a stressful, unpleasant experience. Having rest allows you to process things emotionally and psychologically.

Think, feel, but don’t dwell

It is typical to think about the event and feel bad about it. Allow yourself to process your emotions and feelings. Grieve when needed, cry when needed, it allows you to let go of what is inside you, and mat help alleviate your suffering.

But things need to come to an end, even suffering. You need not dwell into it that much as days move. You do not need to relive those painful experiences and dwell on the past. Eventually, you have to let go of the past, and the best way to do it is to not overthink of that traumatic experience.

Try to establish normalcy

You do not have to do it quickly, but it is better to start bits and pieces. You do this so that trauma will not take hold of your life, and you will not develop counterproductive habits as you deal with it, like alcoholism and addiction.

You can start doing little things, trying to establish your routine. Though things may not go back to what it was once before, normalcy could certainly return, allowing you to take control of your life and destiny.

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How to handle fear following a negative experience

Coping mechanisms are a way of handling fear following negative experiences short of seeking professional help and taking medications. Here are some things all of us can do to handle fear after a traumatic event effectively:

Recognize the fear

Fear is a normal reaction to harmful stimuli and experiences. Recognize it for what it is, that you indeed feel it and that there is nothing to be ashamed of it, especially in the light of a traumatic event you just experienced.

Talk with others

Sharing what you have gone through and how you feel about it, including fear, is a quintessential therapeutic act. All therapy and healing methods usually involve talking and sharing experiences with others, one way or another.

 Dealing with fear is no exception, and you can feel better as you do it. Even better, others will give their empathy and be sympathetic with you. You can also gain insights from others, knowing how they deal with their fear or emotional and psychological trauma. You can also talk and share your insights with others who have gone through the same episode.

Be in company with others 

No man is an island, as the famous adage goes, but it is even more valid for individuals who have undergone a traumatic episode. Being with others allows you to develop confidence in yourself and camaraderie with others, which is essential in coping against fear and standing up to it.

Being with others, you must also solicit their help in performing some tasks associated with a traumatic event. Those involved in vehicular accidents, for instance, suddenly develop a fear of driving, and you can ask others to do so for you as you recover from the traumatic event.

Plan how you deal with crises 

Be proactive in dealing with events in life. We cannot avoid being in difficult situations; such is our predicament always. Better plan how you will react and try to manage your reactions to those things. Cervantes’ insight about being forearmed through being forewarned indeed applies. It will not hurt to be prepared at all times, physically and emotionally.

Part of being “forewarned” is realizing that having fears is integral to our condition. It is not having fear which is the issue, but rather how you deal with it. The more you plan to manage it in certain situations, the more you can cope with it.

Accept and be resigned to some things

Events do happen, whether they be accidents, personal tragedies, personal loss, whether we like it or not. It is part of our human condition, and whether we like it or not, people do suffer, die, or experience things that are beyond the control of anyone.

We must learn to accept that those things happen and that hard times, owing to the events we do not control, are forever on our horizon. The more we realize that they are always a possibility, the more we can manage our fears concerning them.

And ultimately, we must realize that, like other events, all things will eventually pass, even our suffering. You may experience fear, but this, too, is a normal reaction and will eventually pass, with time, or if we do what we have to do. Seeking help and doing all these coping mechanisms will surely help facilitate recovery quicker, so there is no need to dwell on these things.

What are the effects of trauma on the brain?

We are talking about psychological trauma, but there is also what we call brain trauma. It is caused by a hit or a blow in the head, and it is common among victims of vehicular accidents and physical violence and those engaged in combat sports, like boxing.

Effects could range from mild to severe. The mild effects of traumatic brain injury are headache, nausea, and dizziness. Severe effects of trauma could include internal bleeding, brain hemorrhage, numbness, various motor and cognitive disorders, and being comatose.

Anyone suffering from traumatic brain injury must be quickly attended by a physician to address the injury, prevent a worsening condition, or prevent death.

What are the symptoms of trauma?

Anxiety is the most common symptom of psychological trauma. Some triggers may induce it in a person: gunfire or fireworks, for instance, among war shock victims, the sound of cars and vehicles among those involved in vehicular accidents, or even harmless noises and chatter.

Those triggers remind the traumatized individuals of that particular traumatic event. It brought back all those painful memories associated with it: death, suffering, and grief usually. Anxiety is almost the automatic response, especially if the individual has not yet recovered from the trauma or has not yet undergone therapy and healing.

Depression following trauma usually follows episodes of anxiety. A depressed individual feels sad and lonely for long periods, usually from weeks to several months. They have melancholic episodes, are not driven towards anything, lack initiative and concern, and are usually inattentive towards everyday affairs.

Anxiety and depression are the common symptoms of trauma, but there are also insomnia, anger, and aggression. There are also psychosomatic responses, like panic attacks, directly in response to specific situations or trigger which may remind the person of a traumatic event.

Those who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder exhibit all those symptoms. In addition, they are also prone to having negative feelings, thoughts, and emotions, things that could lead to their worsening condition. They also experience “flashbacks” of the traumatic event, and nightmares are not uncommon.

Some who have PTSD sometimes respond positively to it and may experience what experts call post-traumatic growth. Overall, though, those with PTSD have difficulties coping with their everyday lives and need therapy and professional guidance to recover and heal.

How does trauma affect the individual and society? 

Those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder effects will have problems coping with the demands of society. They have difficulties working, having relationships, and interacting with others. He remains detached even as he lived among his relatives, friends, and his fellows. Part of the task then, aside from his recovery, is to normalize his relationships with society and others.

Communities that have experienced war, natural calamities, or cataclysmic events could be susceptible to what they call collective trauma. Memories of the traumatic event linger on across time, sometimes passed on from one generation to the succeeding ones. It affects how people deal with or make sense of the present situation, issues, or crises.

It is entirely different from individual trauma, for healing is usually only possible through society coming to grips with the traumatic event. Collective trauma manifests and articulates itself through discourse or social tensions and could only be resolved through the active engagement of members of society and social institutions.

Collective trauma could adversely affect social relations, and if not addressed, could hold back society and hamper its efforts for collective healing. Searching for new collective meaning and new identity that resonates to all members and everyone could relate to is among the strategies used for society to heal and move on from collective trauma.

How can we help individuals recover from trauma? 

The tips that we discussed earlier, and the various coping mechanisms available to deal with fear after a traumatic event, are just some of the ways as to how an individual can recover from trauma. But sometimes, it is not enough, especially for those with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Treatment options vary. PTSD treatments for veterans of war could differ from others, like PTSD treatments for children, for instance. Everything depends on particular context and conditions: from the nature of the traumatic event to the personal circumstances of those with PTSD.

Aside from those things, we can offer practical help on our won initiative. Here are some of the tips we can use to help those suffering from trauma:

Offering support

The sufferer would need all kinds of help, so it is significant that we help in which way we can. We must give moral support, offer guidance, spend some time with them, give words of encouragement, all the little things that may alleviate their suffering. Moral support and encouragement could make them heal faster and recover quicker.

Engage in conversation with them

They will need someone to talk to, and you can help by engaging them in some conversation. As we mentioned, having conversations is therapeutic, and having someone to talk to allows them to release inner tension and anxieties. It also helps them if they know that someone is willing to listen to them.

Be sensitive

You must be considerate of their feelings and be attentive to their needs. It would be best to be careful about the things you are going to say, for it may remind them of unpleasant memories and may cause some distress to the traumatic victim. Being sensitive to their emotions could go a long way.

Getting them involved

As we mentioned, victims need to get themselves back on track. Help them do so by encouraging them to do some activities that will allow them to take control of their lives, normalize their activities, or develop routines that will allow them to recover quicker and faster from the trauma.

Convincing them to seek professional help

There are times when coping mechanisms are not enough, and the suffering individual must seek professional guidance. Please do your part by convincing the victim of its necessity, and try to link them up with support groups who can help them and recommend an expert counsellor that could be of vital help to the victim.

References for Trauma

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/trauma#:~:text=Psychological%20trauma%20is%20a%20response,stressful%20event%20will%20develop%20trauma.

https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types

https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/recovery/effects-of-trauma/ptsd/

How to Cope with Traumatic Events

https://ucc.nd.edu/self-help/disaster-trauma/taking-care-of-yourself/

https://counselingcenter.illinois.edu/outreach-consultation-prevention/outreach-consultation-teams/trauma-response-team/dealing-1

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/trauma-helping-family-or-friends

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01441/full