What is trauma?

The American Psychological Association defines trauma as the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel a full range of emotions and experiences.

Trauma Can Be

ACUTE: Acute trauma mainly results from a single distressing event, such as an accident, rape, assault, or natural disaster.

CHRONIC: Chronic Trauma happens when a person is exposed to multiple, long-term, and/or prolonged distressing, traumatic events over an extended period. Examples of chronic trauma are: a long-term serious illness, sexual abuse, domestic violence, bullying, and exposure to extreme situations, such as a war, repeated exposure to disturbing/difficult situations in Health Care or First Responder settings.

COMPLEX: Complex trauma results from exposure to multiple traumatic events or experiences. These events usually result from negative experiences within our primary attachment relationships. This is commonly seen in individuals who have been victims of childhood abuse, neglect, domestic violence, family disputes, or other repetitive situations.

Common Responses to Trauma

  • • Shame,

    • Grief,

    • Feeling depressed or sad,

    • Anger,

    • Feeling numb,

    • Overwhelmed,

    • Hopelessness, helplessness,

    • Confused,

    • Feeling guilty,

    • Mood swings,

    • Hypervigilance,

    • Anxiety/panic,

    • Feeling unsafe

  • • Trouble concentrating,

    • Memory difficulties,

    • Difficulty with decision,

    making/problem solving,

    • Thoughts seem fast and

    cyclical,

    • Increased worry,

    • Preoccupation with past/future,

    • Intrusive thoughts,

    • Flashbacks,

    • Suicidal thoughts,

  • • Isolation/withdrawal,

    • Difficulty engaging in duties/responsibilities of work/home,

    • Increased outbursts of

    emotion,

    • Increased impulsivity.

    • Self-harm,

    • Increased risk-taking

    behaviours,

    • Increased substance use,

    • Avoidance of particular people,

    places, sounds

    • Increased conflict with

    friends/family,

    • Difficulty reducing activity or

    experiencing difficulty

    engaging in any activity.

  • • Fatigue/exhaustion,

    • Gastrointestinal problems,

    • Body aches/pains, headaches,

    • Jaw tension,

    • Appetite changes

    • Nausea,

    • Dizziness,

    • Sleep problems,

    • Sexual dysfunction,

    • Worsening of physical health

    symptoms,

    • Sensory sensitivity,

    • Autoimmune/inflammatory issues.

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