The longer we live, the more inevitable it is that we will experience trauma. Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences.
Trauma does not discriminate and it is pervasive throughout the world. A World Mental Health survey conducted by the World Health Organization found that at least a third of the more than 125,000 people surveyed in 26 different countries had experienced trauma. That number rose to 70% when the group was limited to people experiencing core disorders as defined by the DSM-IV (the classification found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition). But those numbers are just for traumas that have been reported; the actual number is probably much, much higher.
While there are no objective criteria to evaluate which events will cause post-trauma symptoms, circumstances typically involve the loss of control, betrayal, abuse of power, helplessness, pain, confusion and/or loss. The event need not rise to the level of war, natural disaster, nor personal assault to affect a person profoundly and alter their experiences. Traumatic situations that cause post-trauma symptoms vary quite dramatically from person to person. Indeed, trauma is very subjective and it is important to bear in mind that it is defined more by its response than its trigger.
Common Responses and Symptoms of Trauma
Response to a traumatic event varies significantly among people, but there are some basic symptoms of trauma that are common.
Emotional signs of trauma include:
- sadness
- anger
- denial
- fear
- shame
These may lead to:
- nightmares
- insomnia
- difficulty with relationships
- emotional outbursts
Physical symptoms are also common, including:
- nausea
- dizziness
- altered sleep patterns
- changes in appetite
- headaches
- gastrointestinal problems
Psychological disorders may also occur as a response to trauma. These include:
- PTSD
- depression
- anxiety
- dissociative disorders
- substance abuse problems
Acute Stress Disorder vs. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Not every traumatized person develops post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some people develop some symptoms like those listed above, but they go away after a few weeks. This is called acute stress disorder (ASD).
When the symptoms last more than a month and seriously affect the person’s ability to function, the person may be suffering from PTSD. Some people with PTSD don’t show symptoms for months after the event itself. And some people deal with PTSD symptoms of a traumatic experience for the rest of their life. Symptoms of PTSD can escalate to panic attacks, depression, suicidal thoughts and feelings, drug abuse, feelings of being isolated and not being able to complete daily tasks.
Types of Trauma
As mentioned above, trauma is defined by the experience of the survivor. But there is a delineation of levels of trauma. Broadly described, they can be classified as large ‘T’ traumas and small ‘t’ traumas.
Small ‘t’ traumas are circumstances where one’s bodily safety or life is not threatened, but cause symptoms of trauma nonetheless. These events set one off-kilter and disrupt normal functioning in the world. They certainly don’t seem small at all when they occur, but most will have an easier time recovering from them than a large ‘T’ trauma. On the other hand, small ‘t’ traumas are sometimes disregarded since they seem surmountable. This can be perilous as the cumulative effect of an unprocessed trauma or traumas may trail a person relentlessly. Examples are: life changes like a new job or moving; relationship events like divorce, infidelity, or an upsetting personal conflict; life stressors like financial troubles, work stress or conflict, or legal battles.
Large ‘T’ traumas are extraordinary experiences that bring about severe distress and helplessness. They may be one-time events like acts of terrorism, natural catastrophes, and sexual assault. Or, they may be prolonged stressors like war, child abuse, neglect or violence. They are much more difficult or even impossible to overlook, yet they are often actively avoided. For instance, people may steer clear of triggers like personal reminders, certain locations, or situations like crowded or even deserted places. And they may resist confronting the memory of the event. As a coping mechanism, this only works for so long. Prolonging access to trauma support and treatment prolongs healing.
Therapies for Trauma
There is no cure for trauma nor any quick fixes for the suffering associated with them. But there is hope. A wide range of effective therapies exists and access to them is widespread. Trauma survivors are best served by working with a therapist or therapy that is trauma-focused or trauma-informed. Most trauma-informed therapists will employ a combination of therapy modalities.
Psychotherapy alternatives include exposure therapies to help with desensitization, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which helps change thought and behavior patterns and reprocessing therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) that allow the survivor to reprocess memories and events. Somatic therapies that use the body to process trauma include Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Hypnosis, mindfulness, craniosacral therapy, trauma-sensitive yoga, art therapy and acupuncture can all also help. And last, many people use medications – primarily antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications – which can make symptoms less intense and more manageable.
Unyte Health Programs to Support Trauma
Unyte Health’s listening therapy programs can help.
The Safe and Sound Protcol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy that helps shift the nervous system to be more present and regulated while improving client capacity for connection and receptivity to other therapies. The SSP has been proven to support trauma survivors by making them more available to therapy and the therapeutic relationship.
The Focus System is a clinical intervention used to improve brain function through brain and body integration via multisensory input. It combines auditory, balance, and movement to create a foundation for learning, attention, processing and behavior.
If you are a healthcare professional interested in exploring more about how these programs can be supportive of someone healing from trauma, book a meeting with one of our Programs Consultants.
Resources
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of trauma and are looking for help and information, the following organizations may be able to help:
National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (NCPTSD)
The NCPTSD is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs. They work to improve the clinical care and welfare of America’s veterans. Their website is an educational resource for PTSC and the consequences of traumatic stress.
The Red Cross focuses on meeting immediate emergency needs after a disaster. They also feed emergency workers, provide blood to disaster victims and help those affected connect with other resources.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Alliance
An alliance of advocacy organizations providing resources to those with PTSD and their loved ones. You can also call them at 1-877-507-7873(PTSD).
Psychology Today’s online directory of therapists who work with PTSD and trauma you can search by zip code.
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