Trauma
Trauma can be described as an individualized experience of an event. It is the person’s experience of the event that institutes the trauma and defined by the person. The distressing event overwhelms the person’s ability to cope. Jon Allen, a psychologist at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, Texas and author of Coping with Trauma: A Guide to Self-Understanding (1995) reminds us that there are two components to a traumatic experience: the objective and the subjective: “It is the subjective experience of the objective events that constitutes the trauma…The more you believe you are endangered, the more traumatized you will be…Psychologically, the bottom line of trauma is overwhelming emotion and a feeling of leaving you with feelings of helplessness.
Trauma can come in a variety of forms and there are differences among the individuals that experience the trauma. The effects of trauma can be lasting for some. It is never too late to resolve an issue around trauma.
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This form of trauma results from a single distressing or dangerous event. The event threatens the person’s emotional or physical security. The experience creates a lasting impression, and it can also affect the way the person thinks and behaves.
Symptoms of acute trauma will generally include:
Excessive anxiety or panic
Shock or denial
Feelings of guilt, sadness, grief, or hopelessness
Irritation
Confusion
Nightmares or insomnia
Feeling disconnected
Lack of trust
Inability to focus on work or studies
Lack of self-care or personal hygiene
Aggressive behavior
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Results from repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events. Chronic trauma may result from a long-term serious illness, sexual abuse, domestic violence, bullying, and subjection to other extreme situations. Several events of acute trauma, as well as untreated acute trauma, may develop into chronic trauma. The symptoms of chronic trauma can even appear years after the event took place. For instance, these symptoms can include unpredictable emotional outbursts, anxiety, extreme anger, flashbacks, fatigue, body aches, headaches, and nausea. Trust issues may also be present, resulting in unstable relationships, and instability with work.
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Results from exposure to multiple traumatic events or experiences. These events usually result from negative experiences within interpersonal relationships. Complex trauma can often have a severe impact on the person’s mind. This is commonly seen in individuals who have been victims of childhood abuse, neglect, domestic violence, family disputes, or other repetitive situations. Chronic trauma can affect a person’s relationships and performance at work or school.