What is Trauma?
In this blog I will explore what trauma is. As a trauma informed counsellor I have received additional training to help support clients to understand and deal with their trauma.
Nicole Biggs
What is trauma? In this blog I will explore what trauma is. As a trauma informed counsellor I have received additional training to help support clients to understand and deal with their trauma.
To learn how to manage your fears and symptoms associated with trauma contact me on 07742 209312 or nicole@greenoaktherapies.co.uk
We suffer a trauma when we experience a difficult thing in our lives that we struggle to cope with. Trauma is therefore more common than people think, and we all experience some kind of trauma in our lives. How that trauma affects us, and how we deal with it, is what can cause issues and lead to mental health issues.
When we think of trauma, we often think of being attacked, or an accident. One big traumatic event. However, we can also suffer trauma from lots of smaller events. Bullying, neglect, and harsh treatment or words can all lead to trauma. Negative life events like bereavement, health issues, relationship difficulties and natural disasters (like the corona pandemic) can also lead to trauma. Everyone has a different reaction to trauma and what is experienced as a severe trauma by one person may not be for another.
Survival Instinct
Trauma sets off our natural survival instinct. Our minds perceive that we are under threat and our fight – flight response is triggered. Our brains treat emotional or verbal dangers the same way as it treats physical dangers. Therefore, someone bullying us is treated the same as if we broke our leg. Our immune system is triggered. Our mind and body are placed on full alert.
Our fight – flight response is what leads to anxiety or anger. However, when our fight – flight response is triggered too much by trauma, we move into the next survival phase. We shut down. We freeze. We play dead. We become numb. Trauma overwhelms our mind and our body. In response, the mind and body shut down. It sees itself as under attack. We go into a state of collapse. A sense of defeat. A sense of shock. We feel helpless and hopeless. Trauma overwhelms our nervous system.
Trauma is unique to the person
No two people will react to trauma the same. This is why two people who experience the same event can each react in completely different ways. Therefore, our trauma and our reaction to it is very personal to us. All traumatic events are extremely stressful, draining the body and mind of energy. We feel helpless and under attack. All our resources are diverted to survival. Trauma therefore has a damaging effect on our minds and bodies. It affects the whole person.
You do not have to have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to have experienced trauma.
Symptoms of Trauma
- Hypervigilance
- Intrusive imagery and flashbacks
- Hyperactivity
- Irritability and negativity
- Abrupt mood swings
- Nightmares and night terrors
- Low stress threshold
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of motivation
- Shame and lack of self-worth
- Panic attacks, anxiety and phobias.
- Attraction to dangerous situations
- Addictive behaviours
- Avoidance behaviours
- Mental blankness, spaced-out feelings, and disassociation
- Rumination and preoccupation with the trauma
- Exhaustion and fatigue
- Chronic pain
- Problems with self-care
- Depression and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
Trauma can therefore have a big impact on someone’s life. It can also lead to other mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
If you suspect you may have suffered a trauma, for more information, or a chat, please contact me on 07742 209312 or nicole@greenoaktherapies.co.uk
Check out my other blogs:
How do I find my Happy? – Green Oak Therapies
