Let's Talk About Trauma!
Originally Posted December 7, 2022
What is Trauma?
Typically when you hear the word trauma or something being traumatic, you think of a sudden, significant, adverse event. This isn’t always the case. Trauma is the response to something that is deeply distressing. This can occur in a variety of situations.
Think of it as big “T” Trauma and little “t” trauma.
Big T Trauma is the larger scale events like a natural disaster or a car accident. Little t trauma can be smaller scale and often chronic, like bullying, financial hardships, and loss of a relationship. It typically has a more personal connection than big “T” trauma. Both of these categories of traumas can have a major impact on your life and mental health.
Who Does Trauma Affect?
Another misconception about trauma is that it’s mainly Veterans who experience it, yet anyone can be impacted by trauma. Everyone experiences it differently. Two people may have been present for the exact same event, or grown up in the same environment and still be affected in completely different ways. It doesn't mean that one person is heartless or the other is overly sensitive. It just means they are different people who process things in different ways.
What Does Trauma Affect?
Trauma can affect you mentally, emotionally, physically, and even socially,
Mentally, you can become more vulnerable to mental health problems. There are many mental health diagnoses that stem from experiencing some form of trauma. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, Depression, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can all stem from experiencing trauma. You may also experience flashbacks or start to engage in self-destructive behaviors.
Emotionally you’re likely to see changes too. You might find it harder to control or regulate the emotions you're experiencing. Your self-esteem and self-confidence may be lower. You may experience more outbursts, or find that things trigger you in ways they didn’t before.
There may also be physical changes as well. Trauma can trigger the release of stress hormones in your body and have a domino effect. You may find yourself getting tired more frequently, change in appetite, or having different sleeping patterns. Feel more aches and pains in your body. Develop a weakened immune system and find yourself getting sick more often. In severe cases of trauma, you may even start to develop stomach ulcers. Trauma can also lead to substance abuse, which will have very severe impacts on your body.
Socially you might have to make some changes as well. It may be hard for you to be around big groups of people. Certain sounds and smells could become triggering. Places you used to love may no longer feel safe. Your relationships with friends may change as well. You may start to isolate yourself when they initiate communication.
Be mindful that what affects someone, may not affect someone else. You may not experience everything on this list. Trauma is not one size fits all.
How Long Does Trauma Last?
Some people may experience relief of symptoms in a few weeks or months. Others may experience long-lasting effects. Keep in mind that the symptoms may not show up right away. The effects of trauma can come up in ways you aren't expecting. This is often called a trauma response. Someone may react to something in an unusual way. A child that was previously bubbly and outgoing may be more withdrawn. You could find yourself disconnected in ways you weren't before.
What Happens If Trauma is Left Untreated?
If left untreated, you may start to experience an increase in the symptoms mentioned above. Mental health problems, mood swings, irritability, physical health issues, and relationship strains are just a few things that can be impacted. It can also be passed down generationally.
How Can Trauma Be Treated?
Finding trauma-informed health providers is the best way to start healing. Talk to your doctor about your experience. Schedule a consultation with a therapist. Trauma is not something that can be healed on your own. It takes collaboration.
Where to Start?
Develop a sense of safety. This can be a safe area in your house. Music or books that bring you comfort. Not just safety in the physical sense, but mentally and emotionally as well
Take time to process. Schedule the appointment with the therapist. Give yourself space to identify your trauma and start to heal from it.
Start to reconnect. Tap into some of the old things you used to enjoy. Reach out to people you may have isolated yourself from. Rediscover parts of yourself that may not have been able to shine through.
Trauma can be very hard to navigate, and you’re not meant to do it alone. If you’d like to learn more about trauma and mental health, be sure to subscribe to my emails or follow me on socials @BloomingWithBisi. If you’re a Florida Resident and are interested in booking a free 15-minute consultation call, email me at bloomingwithbisi@gmail.com or use the link below: https://calendly.com/bloomingwithbisi/15min