What is Trauma?

Often when people hear the word "trauma" they think of combat veterans experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  While that is certainly one type of trauma, there are many others.  Sometimes people do not even recognize their own experience as trauma.

While there are many events and circumstances that can be traumatic, there are three main types of trauma:

• Acute trauma - this is a single incident trauma.  Examples include a combat incident, a sexual assault, being a victim or witness to an act of violence, witnessing or being a victim of a natural disaster, being involved in a car accident. 

• Chronic trauma - this is repeated or prolonged trauma, such as domestic violence, repeated abuse or war. 

• Complex trauma - this can be similar to chronic trauma.  Complex trauma usually involves childhood trauma at the hands of a caregiver or other trusted adult, such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse or emotional or physical neglect.  

What do trauma symptoms look like?

It is also important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma develops Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Everyone reacts to trauma in different ways and there is no "right" or "wrong" way.  Some common emotional and physical reactions to trauma are:

• shock, denial, or disbelief

• anger, mood swings, or irritability

• guilt, shame, or self-blame

• anxiety or fear

• difficulty concentrating

• feeling hopeless or sad

• feel numb or disconnected

• withdrawing from other people

• being startled easily

• rapid heartbeat 

• difficulty sleeping

• fatigue

• feeling agitated or "on edge"

• muscle tension

When should I seek help?

Remember that having emotional or physical symptoms after a trauma is very normal.  Often these trauma symptoms will subside after a few months.  The following are some symptoms that might might indicate that you may need professional help:

• flashbacks of the event

• nightmares about the trauma

• avoidance of anything that reminds you of the trauma

• trouble remembering important details of the trauma

• loss of interest in activities

• Irritable or depressed mood

• heightened feelings of anxiety 

If you are experiencing these symptoms, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional.  There are many effective treatments for trauma-related disorders, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),  Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and several others.  A licensed mental health professional can help you to determine your best treatment options.