WHAT IS TRAUMA?
Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, crime, natural disaster, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, death of a loved one, war, and more. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical.
Trauma does not discriminate, age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation do not matter. Trauma is a common experience for adults and children in American communities.
For this reason, the need to address trauma is seen as an important part of effective behavioral health care and an integral part of the healing and recovery process.
3 TYPES OF TRAUMA
Acute trauma reflects intense distress in the immediate aftermath of a one-time event of short duration. The reaction is short-term, resolving on its own or with the help of counseling or other support. A car crash, physical or sexual assault, the sudden death of a loved one, or even a medical emergency can create acute trauma.
Chronic trauma refers to the harmful effects of events that are repeated or prolonged. It can develop in response to persistent bullying, neglect, abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual), and domestic violence. Because of its repeated nature and inescapability, chronic trauma often has serious mental health consequences for individuals.
Complex trauma can arise from experiencing repeated or multiple traumatic events of differing types from which there is no possibility of escape, such as repeated child abuse. The sense of being trapped is a feature of the experience. Like other types of trauma, it can undermine a sense of safety in the world and beget hypervigilance, and constant monitoring of the environment for the possibility of threat. Complex trauma experienced in childhood has been associated with the development of borderline personality disorder as well as PTSD.
EFFECTS OF TRAUMA
Effects of trauma place a heavy burden on individuals, families, and communities. Although many people who experience a traumatic event will go on with their lives without lasting negative effects, others will have difficulties. How someone responds to a traumatic experience is personal.
Research shows that trauma is associated with both behavioral health and chronic physical health conditions, especially those traumatic events that occur during childhood. Substance use, mental health conditions, and other risky behaviors have been linked with traumatic experiences. These behavioral health concerns can present challenges in relationships, careers, and other aspects of life, and it is important to understand the nature and impact of trauma, and to explore healing.
TREATMENT
Concerned that you or a loved one may be experiencing mental illness? You are not alone. Get professional help. Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being, yet mental illness affects millions of people and their families nationwide.