Causes of Trauma
- Natural disasters
- Accidents
- Abuse
- Violence
- Sudden loss of a loved one
As trauma directly affects every aspect of our life, there often exist other related issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide ideation or behaviours. Physical signs developed are often interconnected with the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma, creating a complex web of signs that can get complicated.
Types of Trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. The development of PTSD is not differentiated by the type of traumatic experience – whether it is a single traumatic event, such as a car accident or an assault, or a prolonged exposure to trauma, such as ongoing abuse.
Single Event Trauma
Single event trauma is a once-off traumatic experience, such as a natural disaster or a physical assault. While it is typically less complex and less pervasive than complex trauma, it is undoubtedly still traumatic and can have long-lasting effects.
Signs of Single Event Trauma
- Intrusive thoughts and memories
- Flashbacks
- Sleep disturbances (e.g. nightmares)
- Hypervigilance
- Avoidance behaviours
- Negative changes in mood and cognition
Complex Trauma
Complex trauma refers to exposure to multiple or chronic traumatic events, often involving interpersonal violence such as abuse in childhood, domestic violence, or captivity.
Signs of Complex Trauma
- Dissociation
- Emotional dysregulation
- Chronic health issues
- Difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships
- Diminished sense of self-worth
- Self-destructive behaviours
- Hypervigilance
Coping with Trauma
There are many effective treatments for trauma-related issues, including therapy, medication and other forms of social support. Some of the most effective methods include Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Exposure Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
It is important to recognise that healing from trauma is a process, albeit a challenging one. It takes time and patience to overcome the effects of a traumatic experience. With the right support from loved ones and therapy, it is possible to work through it and achieve a sense of peace and well-being.
