WHAT IS TRAUMA
Much like the word “love” is over-used and has become diluted in our culture, the word, “trauma” has been used to describe everything from minor distress to horrific and catastrophic events. But what does the word really mean?
One definition I like to use is from Dr. Ricky Greenwald, my instructor from the Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute. He defines trauma as an event that is:
“perceived as threatening to a persons’ life or physical integrity, and includes
a sense of helplessness along with fear, horror, or disgust.”
(R. Greenwald, 2005)
There are some very important characteristics of trauma to note in this definition:
- Perceived: This “perceived” part is important, because two individuals could experience the same event, but one’s brain would classify it as trauma and have traumatic stress symptoms, while the other individual may not. This is why it’s important not to judge how someone is handling a distressing event.
- Threatening to a person’s life: Whether the person’s life was actually in danger or not, does not matter, as much as the person’s perception that their life was in danger.
- Helplessness, fear, horror, disgust: Often, we dilute the word “trauma” when we call everyday distresses “traumatic.” True trauma results when something happens that feels too overwhelming, too difficult to handle, and leaves us feeling powerless and/or helpless.
FORMS OF TRAUMA
Trauma can come in many forms. The CDC lists the following common sources of trauma:
•Constant state of stress
•Loss of a loved one
•Lack of healthy social interaction
•Severe physical or emotional abuse
•Contact sexual abuse
•Severe emotional or physical neglect
•Living with a household member who was mentally ill, imprisoned, or a substance abuser
•Living in a home impacted by domestic violence
•Parental separation/divorce
•Bullying
•Witnessing violence
•Being threatened with violence
(Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Mental health experts used to believe only horrific events were traumatic, now we know even “normal” life stressors, such as divorce and loss can provoke the same level (or more) of traumatic stress symptoms as traditionally labeled traumatic events.
HOW TRAUMA AFFECTS US
In my TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) practitioner training, they summarized and simplified trauma’s main effects on our brains and bodies as “The 5 B’s of Trauma.”
Trauma affects our Brains, Bodies, Biology, Beliefs, and Behaviors.
- Brain: Trauma literally changes the wiring of the brain, impacting our ability to regulate emotions, to think, and to learn.
- Body: The ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences Survey) study helps us to recognize the impact of trauma on not only mental well being, but also physical well being. Trauma is stored in the body physically. (For further reading on this, read Bessel Van Der Kolk’s book: The Body Keeps the Score).
- Biology: Trauma affects our brain development and brain chemistry. The brain’s chemicals (neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine) and the physical structure of the brain change in response to trauma to make it difficult to calm ourselves. (For example, these changes cause us to stay stuck in our “downstairs brain” and unable to easily access the “upstairs brain.”)
- Beliefs: Trauma affects the way a person thinks, trusts, and connects with others. Because when hard things happen, they can affect what we believe about ourselves, others, God, and/or the world around us. (Ex. “I’m not safe,” “I’m not worthy to be loved,” “God is angry at me,” “Men are untrustworthy,” etc.)
- Behaviors: A history of trauma puts us at a greater risk for emotional problems and dysfunctional behaviors. Our beliefs and thoughts affect our feelings and behaviors. If my beliefs are skewed because of trauma (ex. “I’m not safe.”), then my behaviors will follow suit (ex. difficulty trusting people, self protective either through aggression or withdrawal, etc).
Trauma affects every part of us: mind, body, and spirit. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), around 70% of the world population will experience some form of trauma in their lifetime. If you (or your teen) have experienced trauma, there is hope. The way things are today is not the way they have to be forever. Talking to a trusted friend or counselor can help.
This is a really QUICK overview of what trauma is…and how it can affect us. If you (or someone you know) would like help in healing the effects of trauma in your life, reach out. I’d be honored to journey alongside you and guide you toward hope and healing.
Resources:
Book: Child Trauma Handbook by Ricky Greenwald, PsyD
Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.
TBRI Practitioner Training: https://child.tcu.edu/professionals/tbri-training/#sthash.CNjGxSa2.dpbs
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/post-traumatic-stress-disorder#:~:text=Around 70% of people globally,to develop PTSD