Types of Trauma: What They Are and How They Affect Us
Trauma is not in the event, it is in the response to the event. Trauma is an emotional and physical response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster. Three people can experience the same event and have three different reactions. Not only does everyone react to trauma differently, but there are various types of trauma that people can experience. In today's blog, we'll explore seven types of trauma: vicarious trauma, developmental trauma, historical trauma, acute trauma, little t vs big T trauma, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding these can help us recognize symptoms in ourselves or those around us.
Vicarious Trauma
Vicarious trauma is also known as secondary trauma. This trauma occurs when someone is indirectly affected by another person’s traumatic experiences. This often affects professionals like therapists, doctors, or emergency responders who work closely with trauma survivors.
Imagine a surgeon who often operates on patients injured in serious accidents. Hearing their stories and seeing their injuries makes the surgeon feel overwhelmed. It almost feels as if they had gone through the accidents themselves. It’s important for people who are exposed to vicarious trauma to have support systems and coping strategies.
Acute
Acute trauma is a response to a single, distressing event. This type of trauma might occur after experiences such as a car accident, natural disaster, or witnessing a violent event. Acute trauma can trigger feelings of emotional distress, physical symptoms, and difficulties in concentrating.
For instance, someone involved in a serious car accident may develop acute trauma. They might feel anxious when they think about driving again. They might even feel scared when they hear loud noises. With time and support, many people can recover from acute trauma, especially if they receive immediate help and trauma therapy.
Developmental
Developmental trauma occurs in early childhood. It is caused by chronic neglect, abuse, or disruptions in caregiving. This type of trauma can interfere with a child's development and affect their growth.
For example, a young child who is neglected or abused may not develop a secure attachment to their caregivers. This lack of security makes it hard to trust others and can lead to difficulty regulating emotions. Recovering from developmental trauma often involves creating a safe and stable environment where the child can rebuild trust and safety.
Little t vs. Big T
"Little t" trauma refers to smaller, more common stressful events. Even though the word "little" is in the description, it can still have a significant impact on a person's emotional well-being. Examples include ongoing criticism, financial troubles, or minor accidents. For example, a child who is frequently teased at school might experience "little t" trauma. "Big T" trauma, on the other hand, involves major, often life-threatening events that cause severe stress. Examples include natural disasters, serious accidents, or violent assaults. For instance, a person who survives a car crash may experience "Big T" trauma. Both types of trauma can affect individuals deeply, but "Big T" trauma is typically more intense and disruptive.
Historical Trauma
Historical, or generational trauma is the collective emotional and psychological harm experienced by a group of people. This occurs over generations to a specific group. This often includes traumatic events like slavery, genocide, colonization, and war.
One example of historical trauma is the trauma experienced by Native American communities. This was due to colonization, forced relocation, and cultural suppression. These traumatic events have lasting effects on the health, well-being, and cultural identity of future generations. Healing from historical trauma often involves acknowledging past injustices and working towards restoring cultural practices and community connections.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health diagnosis triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD symptoms last for more than a month and disrupt a person’s life. Symptoms include reliving the event through flashbacks or nightmares, avoiding reminders of the trauma, and feeling irritable or having difficulty sleeping.
A soldier returning from combat might develop PTSD. They could have flashbacks to the battlefield or feel anxious in crowded places. Treatment for PTSD often includes therapy, medication, or a combination. Research has shown a combination of treatments helps those with PTSD reduce their symptoms.
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or (C-PTSD)
C-PSTD or complex trauma occurs when someone experiences multiple traumatic events. These events usually happen over a long period. The events can include things like abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. These experiences are prolonged and repeated. As a result, it can affect your sense of safety, trust, and self-worth.
For example, a child who grows up in an abusive household may suffer from C-PTSD. The exposure to abuse may make it hard for them to form healthy relationships. They also might feel worthless and scared a lot. People with C-PTSD meet all the same criteria as PTSD but also struggle with emotion regulation, self-perception, and interpersonal relationships. C-PTSD often requires specialized trauma therapy to address the deep-seated issues and help the person heal.
Next Steps
Understanding these different types of trauma helps us recognize when someone, including ourselves, might be struggling and need support. Trauma can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or life experience. It's important to remember that healing from trauma is possible, and seeking help is a crucial step.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of trauma, it's important to reach out to professionals who can provide the necessary support. Therapy can offer a safe space to talk about experiences and learn coping strategies. Additionally, building a strong support network of friends and family can help in the healing process.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. If you've experienced trauma, remember that it’s okay to ask for help and take the time you need to heal. If you know someone who has experienced trauma, being patient, understanding, and supportive can make a big difference in their recovery journey.
By learning about and acknowledging the various forms of trauma, we can create a more compassionate and supportive environment for everyone. Recognizing the signs of trauma and understanding its impact is the first step towards healing and helping others heal.
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About the Author:
Sarah Rollins, LMSW, SEP is the founder of Embodied Wellness, PLLC, a group therapy practice providing online therapy in Michigan. She is passionate about expanding awareness of somatic therapy as a way to treat and heal trauma. She incorporates other holistic treatments into her practice including EMDR and IFS.