Trauma

People experience trauma differently but with the right support, things can get better.

Though there are many definitions of trauma, it is generally understood that traumatic events are situations that threaten your life, sense of safety, or that of someone around you.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is the response to something – usually an event/s – that overwhelms a person’s ability distress, fear, anxiety, helplessness, and loss of control.

Due to the difficult nature of these experiences and internal feelings it can so often be hidden or denied. There are many reasons for this including being afraid of people’s responses, feelings of shame, guilt or self-blame about the event, or being scared of the offender.

Types of Trauma

Complex Trauma: Complex trauma can occur during childhood and as an adult. It describes the experience of repeated traumatic events, such as child abuse or neglect, social trauma such as war or cultural dislocation, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, and family violence. The effects on mental and physical health can be long-lasting, impacting on emotional health, wellbeing, relationships, and daily functioning.

Transgenerational Trauma: Transgenerational or Intergenerational trauma is the experience of trauma that is passed down through the generations, from the survivors who directly experienced traumatic events. It can lead to higher rates of addiction and mental ill health, in addition to increased rates of family violence and incarceration. Transgenerational trauma can negatively impact families because of unresolved impacts and thoughts about a traumatic event.

Single Incident – Acute Trauma: Acute Trauma: Single incident trauma can occur when a person is exposed to one traumatic event, such a physical or sexual assault, a car accident, an experience of loss, natural disaster. Like other trauma, single event trauma can also impact on a person’s mental and physical health and wellbeing and may lead to Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Vicarious Trauma: Vicarious trauma can occur when someone hears or is exposed to another person’s trauma. It commonly occurs in people who work in challenging environments, such as Veterans, First Responders, DHHS, Counsellor who may be at additional risk to the above mentioned traumas also. It may also affect someone who cares for or supports a person who has experienced a traumatic event.

Some people who have been through a traumatic event may go on to develop PTSD symptoms.

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a particular set of reactions that can develop in people who have been through a traumatic event which threatened their life or safety, or that of others around them. PTSD symptoms may start within a month of a traumatic event, but for some symptoms may not appear until years after the event.

Symptoms can interfere with your ability to go about your normal day to day activities, relationships, social situations or work. A person can have experience feelings of intense fear, helplessness, or horror.

PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person.

PTSD Symptoms

Intrusive memories: Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:

  • Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
  • Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
  • Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event.

Avoidance: Symptoms of avoidance may include:

  • Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event.
  • Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event.

Negative changes in thinking and mood: Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:

  • Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world
  • Hopelessness about the future
  • Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
  • Difficulty maintaining close relationships
  • Feeling detached from family and friends
  • Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
  • Feeling emotionally numb

Changes in physical and emotional reactions: Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) may include:

  • Being easily startled or frightened
  • Always being on guard for danger
  • Self-destructive behaviour, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behaviour
  • Overwhelming guilt or shame

Other post-trauma conditions:

Sometimes, depression and anxiety may develop after a trauma. These conditions might occur on their own, or together with PTSD. If you are concerned about how you are feeling, the best place to get help is to check in with your GP. Here is some more information about depression and anxiety.