Trauma has affected millions of people worldwide. It is not just about an emotion; it is physical pain in our body that our heart can feel. Various factors, including traumatic experiences, events, or accidents, can cause it. It can be either physical or emotional. It can be in many forms. Further, we will explore the different types of trauma, their effects, causes, and the best way to heal.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is defined as an emotional response to a disturbing event. A disrespectful situation or circumstances can cause it. When a person goes through trauma, their healing mechanism breaks down. The causes of the trauma can consist of various factors such as neglect, emotional, and physical abuse, or any violent attack.
Acute Trauma: The Shock Of A Sudden Crisis
Acute trauma is one of the forms of trauma that can be defined as a sudden attack of violence. It can be a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. It may lead individuals towards intense fear. It can develop fear and helpfulness in a person.
Symptoms May Include
- A person may get panic attacks.
- A person may get flashbacks.
- A person may get nightmares.
Read More: Narrative Therapy for Family Counseling and Trauma
Treatment:
CBT therapy helps people manage their negative emotions. This therapy helps them cope with stressful events. It will reduce the emotional impact of the event.
Chronic Trauma: Long-Term Exposure To Harm
The long-term exposure to stressful events can lead individuals to chronic trauma. This trauma can be developed from childhood and domestic abuse. The cycle repeatedly happens, which can lead individuals towards PTSD and depression. Also, it can be in the form of physical pain, such as digestive issues, headaches, etc.
Common Effects:
- A person may have trust issues in relationships.
- A person can suffer from anxiety and depression due to prolonged exposure to trauma.
- Chronic trauma can lead a person to emotional numbness.
Approaches To Healing:
Dialectical behavior therapy is beneficial for chronic trauma survivors. You will learn how to manage your intense emotions.
Read More: PTSD Acute Vs Chronic: Where Do You Lie On The Trauma Spectrum?
Complex Trauma: When Multiple Traumas Collide
The repetitive cycle of trauma in early childhood can cause complex trauma. Although it’s not necessary, adults can suffer from complex trauma due to violence in the home, workplace, or their environment.
Signs Of Complex Trauma:
- A person can have low self-esteem.
- He is unable to develop healthy relationships.
- He may be a victim of emotional abuse.
- A person may go through suicidal thoughts.
Effective Therapy As Treatment:
Internal family system therapy is a powerful psychotherapy approach that identifies human beings’ underlying stress. It helps individuals become self-aware of their emotions and leads them to self-compassion. Besides this, you can take Family Therapy. It would provide you with a safer place to discuss your emotions openly, which can help strengthen your family bond.
Read More: What Are The Different Types of Family Therapy?
Developmental Trauma Disrupts Childhood Growth:
This type of trauma develops from early childhood experiences where the child’s emotional and physical desires remain unmet or unfulfilled. This way, the child grows up with developmental trauma that has lasting impacts.
Impacts On Children’s Development
It can disturb children’s emotional regulation and make it challenging to process their emotional needs.
Best Approaches:
You can join the parent-child interaction therapy for child development and trauma. It will help rebuild trust and foster emotional safety in children.
Vicarious Trauma That Costs Loss Of Caring:
It is one of the different forms of trauma where you get exposure to others’ personal traumatic life experiences, which can cause vicarious trauma. It can usually develop in nurses, caregivers, therapists, etc.
Symptoms May Include:
- It can cause emotional exhaustion.
- It can reduce empathy.
- A person may feel powerless and helpless.
It can cause sleep disturbance.
Healing & Prevention:
The self-care approach can help you overcome this trauma. It will be valuable therapy for your mental well-being.
Read More: The Benefits of Family Therapy: Strengthening Bonds and Improving Well-being
Intergenerational Trauma: Wounded Pass Through Generations
It begins from one generation to another. This is one of the types where trauma is passed down from generation to generation. It can affect parents’ parenting capabilities. Further, this can create emotional disturbance in children.
It May Show Up:
- Dysfunctional family
- Guilt & Shame are passed down from parents to children.
- An individual may experience anxiety and depression.
- They may feel unworthy of love and respect.
Best Approaches:
Intergenerational trauma can significantly impact families. It can lead to significant destruction and difficulties in relationships. However, it can be a majorly cause of past violence, abuse, and emotional neglect. Therefore, family therapy will be a therapeutic approach to build family communication.
Read More: Exploring Dysfunctional Family Therapy: Comprehending, Recovering, and Fortifying Resilience
Medical Trauma: Fear & Pain In Healthcare Settings
This trauma can be derived from healthcare and medical procedures. The fear is related to painful procedures, ICU stays, life-threatening diagnoses, etc. It can create a distressful experience for patients. It can be devastating for their psychological well-being.
It May Show Up As:
- Avoid medical procedures and equipment
- A person may get panic attacks
- A person may have nightmares
- It can lead to fatigue and insomnia.
Best Healing Approaches:
You can practice meditation and mindfulness. This exercise will grant you peace of mind and help you release your stress.
Healing From All Types Of Trauma: Approaches That Work
Healing from trauma is possible only when you allow yourself to acknowledge your emotional response. In this expanded discussion, you can find the following essential strategies that will be helpful for your mental well-being.
Read More: Supportive Psychotherapy: Strengthening Resilience And Emotional Well-Being
Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy is the most effective therapy for emotional well-being. The CBT approach helps you frame your thoughts, while the DBT approach helps you change your self-harming behavior. In addition, you can take a telepsychiatry session to talk openly from the heart from your comfort place.
Somatic Therapy:
It is a body-focused approach. When your body feels stressed out, it can affect your ability to regulate your emotions. This therapy helps you realize stress through physical activities such as breathing, yoga, exercises, etc.
Medications:
You can take antidepressant medicines to relieve the stress in your mind and body. It will give you short-term relief from anxiety.
Support System:
You can surround yourself with supportive people. You can share your stress with your friends and family. Also, support systems and communities can create a safe space for taruma survivors.
Lifestyle Changes:
You can adopt a healthy lifestyle that works brilliantly for your mind and body. You can eat a balanced diet, have a good sleep routine, and prioritize self-care.
Read More: Family Therapy Activities: Let’s Discuss
Recognizing Different Types Of Trauma Is The First Step Towards Healing:
Everyone experiences unique things, so the healing journey works differently for everyone. Understanding different types and forms of trauma can also help you develop effective strategies and a healing process. Whether you’re struggling with emotions or physical trauma, you must recognize your feelings. Besides this, you can join Solid Foundation Psychiatry. We are here to help you with our effective treatment and strategies with compassion and utmost care.