Trauma
“Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of things.”
—Epictetus
In this article, we will discuss trauma as may develop in adulthood and which needs to be distinguished from early childhood trauma or developmental trauma.
Trauma is a word that carries a weight of emotions and experiences within its syllables. It is not just a word, but a profound impact on the individual’s psychological wellbeing and general quality of life. The experience of trauma may leave a mark on one’s mental health, influencing how one perceives the world and interacts with others.
Trauma is an experience that may cause high levels of psychological distress and is associated with exposure to a potentially traumatic event (PTE). It also significantly affects the individuals psychological wellbeing. A potentially traumatic event (PTE) is an event that has the potential of being experienced as traumatic. This means that a particular potentially traumatic event (PTE) will not necessarily result in causing trauma to an individual. Rather, it has the potential to cause trauma. What determines whether such event will cause trauma is the individual’s subjective experience of it. So, what may be traumatic for some may not be traumatic for others.
Trauma is an extremely distressing experience that can have long-lasting effects on a person's psychological functioning. It can come from a single potentially traumatic event (PTE), like a car accident or physical assault, or from ongoing stressors like physical, emotional, or verbal abuse—even neglect. Trauma may cause various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, lack of self-worth, or suicidal ideation. It can also have a devastating impact on a person’s romantic and social relationships, often causing withdrawal from relationships. On of the most common trauma-related disorders is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Untreated trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's quality of life, relationships, and their social integration. One effective treatment approach for trauma is psychotherapy, which provides support and guidance to process the traumatic experiences and develop healthier ways of coping.
Trauma-Related Disorders
Trauma-related disorders are various disorders that stem from experiencing a potentially traumatic event (PTE) that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common trauma-related disorders and which can arise after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Another one is complex PTSD or C-PTSD, which is a disorder that develops after a prolonged or repeated traumatic event.
Recognising the Signs of Trauma
It is crucial to be able to recognise the signs of trauma, both in ourselves and in others. Emotional effects of trauma can include feelings of fear, anxiety, helplessness, or constant alertness. Individuals may also experience mood swings, irritability, or a sense of numbness. Behavioural signs of trauma may include changes in sleep patterns, appetite disturbances, or engaging in risky behaviours. Individuals might also withdraw from social interactions or struggle with concentration and decision-making. There may also be bodily responses such as heart palpitations or stiffness in various parts of the body.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma can result from a wide range of experiences such as: natural disasters, accidents, physical or sexual abuse, torture, combat situations, loss of a loved one, medical trauma (such as serious illnesses, invasive medical procedures, or life-threatening diagnoses), etc.
When someone goes through a traumatic event, they may experience a wide range of emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms. These reactions are normal responses to an abnormal situation and can include:
Emotional symptoms: Intense feelings of fear, sadness, anger, guilt, or shame.
Psychological symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event, difficulty concentrating or remembering details.
Physical symptoms: Sleep disturbances, fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, changes in appetite.
Psychotherapy and Other Treatment Options for Trauma-Related Disorders
Psychotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of trauma-related disorders. Through various therapeutic techniques and approaches, psychotherapy provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to address the impact of trauma on their mental health. At times, for the individual battling with trauma psychotherapy may be enough to regain the quality of their life. Often, though, therapy needs to be combined with medication to manage symptoms effectively. The role of medication is secondary. It supports the individual’s functioning, help them manage their distress, and alleviate the symptoms in order to support the psychotherapeutic treatment. It is psychotherapy, on the other hand, that leads to the working through and processing of the traumatic event and the resolution of the individual’s psychological distress.
The Impact of Trauma on Relationships
Trauma can have a profound impact on individual’s romantic, professional, and other relationships as well as their integration in the community and life in society. It also has the potential to cause isolation and alienation. Romantic relationships where one or both partners may have experienced trauma may find themselves facing unique challenges in their interpersonal connections. These may include:
Communication issues
Lack of emotional intimacy
Isolation and avoidance
Diminished sex drive
Issues with trust
Increased conflict
Anger, irritability, and frustration
A sense of despair over the relationship
Supporting a partner with a history of trauma requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to understand their experience. It's essential to create a safe and non-judgemental space where they feel heard, validated, and that their needs are met.
Conclusion
By understanding how trauma affects an individual’s mental health, one can seek help to regain their quality of life and their psychological wellbeing. Psychotherapy is a valuable and effective treatment whereby one can get the support they need to process their trauma and regain their identity. It is important also to include one’s social circle and their loved ones in their healing process.
Resources:
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD)
Everything You Need To Know About Trauma and PTSD — McLean Hospital