Audio Version (10:30)
I often hear people use the term ‘trauma’, “Oh, I was traumatised!’ without them really understanding what psychological trauma actually means.
Over the past year, requests have significantly increased to deliver trauma-informed training for clients with customer-facing staff, particularly in the Housing and Healthcare sectors.
Through these sessions, I’ve seen first-hand the critical role of education and the importance of supporting staff in these demanding roles. Proper support helps minimise the impact of compassion fatigue, which often leads to burnout.
In this article, I delve into the causes, symptoms, types, and long-term effects of psychological trauma. In the extended YouTube version, I also discuss evidence-based treatments, pathways toward healing, and how to support someone who has undergone trauma. You can watch it here.
Quick disclaimer: I am a coach, not a therapist, so this article is for informational purposes only. If this affects you, I recommend consulting a mental health or medical professional.
That said, I wanted to write this article because I’m noticing these symptoms more and more frequently in my clients and delegates. In addition, if you’ve been following my content for a while, you know I’m passionate about educating people…
We can’t change what we aren’t aware of.
Introduction
Psychological trauma is the emotional and psychological response to deeply distressing events that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope, causing a lasting impact on mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Traumatic experiences may include life-threatening events, such as accidents or natural disasters. Still, they can also stem from emotional, physical, spiritual or sexual abuse, neglect, ongoing financial issues, as well as other forms of interpersonal violence, especially when experienced or witnessed in childhood.
Trauma affects everyone differently, and understanding its complexities is crucial for fostering empathy and offering practical support for those affected.
What is Psychological Trauma?
Psychological trauma arises when an individual’s sense of security is shattered by a distressing event or events, causing feelings of helplessness, fear, and a loss of control. Trauma can be understood as a disruption in the brain’s natural response to danger.
While everyone has a natural response to stress, traumatic events often leave a lasting imprint that can interfere with day-to-day functioning.
Trauma can be both overt, such as physical assault or witnessing violence, and covert, such as prolonged emotional abuse, neglect, or bullying (workplace bullying falls into this category).
While many people experience challenging or even life-altering events without developing long-term trauma, certain factors—like lack of support, genetic predisposition, or previous mental health issues—may increase vulnerability.
Types Of Trauma
Trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all. Psychologists and mental health professionals often differentiate between different types of trauma, as each type can affect people in unique ways.
1. Acute Trauma
Acute trauma typically results from a single, isolated incident, such as a car accident, natural disaster, or physical assault. People experiencing acute trauma often show immediate symptoms, such as shock, denial, or emotional numbing.
If symptoms continue for a month or more, people are often diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
2. Chronic Trauma
Chronic trauma is repeated and prolonged exposure to distressing situations. It is common in individuals who have experienced ongoing abuse (emotional, physical, spiritual or sexual), domestic violence, or persistent bullying (INCLUDING WORKPLACE BULLYING!). Chronic trauma often leads to cumulative stress and can significantly impact one’s emotional regulation and worldview.
3. Complex Trauma
Complex trauma arises from exposure to multiple traumatic events, typically over a prolonged period, often involving close relationships or situations where escape seems impossible.
This type of trauma is common among those who endured childhood abuse, neglect, or long-term captivity and can lead to complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), a condition with symptoms that extend beyond traditional PTSD.
4. Secondary or Vicarious Trauma
Secondary trauma, sometimes called COMPASSION FATIGUE, affects individuals who are regularly exposed to the traumatic experiences of others, such as healthcare professionals, social workers, police, clergy or emergency responders.
Again, I work a lot with customer-facing staff in the social housing sector, whose job is to help and guide some of the most vulnerable in society. I frequently provide trauma training, including how to protect themselves so that they don’t take on others’ burdens as their own.
Over time, witnessing repeated trauma or hearing about it second-hand can cause feelings of helplessness, often leading to burnout, anxiety, or a sense of detachment.
Symptoms of Psychological Trauma
Trauma symptoms can vary widely, depending on the individual and the type of trauma experienced. These symptoms generally fall into three main categories: physical, cognitive, and emotional/behavioural.
1. Physical Symptoms
Trauma affects the body, often leading to symptoms such as:
Fatigue or exhaustion
Muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders and hips
Headaches or migraines
Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
Increased heart rate, sweating, and digestive issues, e.g. IBS
2. Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive symptoms of trauma may include:
Intrusive thoughts and memories of the traumatic event
Difficulty concentrating or staying focused
Memory issues, especially related to the traumatic event
Flashbacks, where the person feels as if they are reliving the trauma
3. Emotional and Behavioural Symptoms
Emotionally, trauma can lead to:
Heightened feelings of anxiety or panic
Mood swings, irritability, and outbursts of anger
Avoidance of reminders of the trauma, such as certain places, people, or activities
A sense of numbness, detachment, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame
Long-Term Effects of Trauma
When trauma goes unresolved, it can have lasting effects on mental health, relationships, and one’s overall sense of well-being. The psychological impact of trauma can manifest in various ways, potentially leading to mental health conditions such as:
1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a condition that often arises after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. People with PTSD may have flashbacks, intrusive memories, and severe anxiety related to the trauma, often avoiding reminders of the event.
2. Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)
C-PTSD typically results from chronic trauma and includes additional symptoms like emotional dysregulation, negative self-concept, and difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
3. Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Trauma can lead to persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, often resulting in depression. Anxiety disorders are also common, with people feeling constantly “on edge” or struggling with pervasive fears.
4. Dissociative Disorders
Some people may experience dissociation, a psychological state where they feel disconnected from themselves or their surroundings.
Dissociative disorders are particularly common in survivors of childhood abuse or extreme trauma, as dissociation can serve as a coping mechanism to escape overwhelming stress.
5. Addiction and Substance Abuse
Individuals who experience trauma may turn to drugs, alcohol, or other addictive behaviours as a means of self-medicating to cope with painful memories and emotions.
The Wrap-Up
Psychological trauma is a profound experience that can disrupt one’s life in significant ways.
However, it is possible to heal and lead a fulfilling life after trauma. With the help of trauma-informed therapies, self-care practices, and supportive relationships, individuals can work through their experiences and regain a sense of control and safety.
The journey may not be easy, but acknowledging the trauma, seeking support, and allowing oneself to heal can ultimately bring hope and resilience.
For those affected, reaching out to mental health professionals, joining support groups, or confiding in trusted friends or family can be a powerful first step in finding relief.
Psychological trauma may alter life’s path, but it does not define one’s future.
What Next?
Again, in the extended YouTube version, I also discuss evidence-based treatments, pathways toward healing, and how to support someone who has undergone trauma. You can watch it here.
If there are any subjects you’d like me to cover in upcoming content or if you’d like coaching support with anything I discuss in my videos or articles, please DM or email me at info@jobanks.net.
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As always, thanks for your continued support.