Trauma, what exactly is it?
In my work at Sacred Space I have learned that the word trauma can be very loaded. I have offered classes or workshops that have included this word and sometimes I think it has made people shy away. It sounds really extreme and most people think, "I have not really been through trauma." However, research shows that most of us have endured some type of trauma either in childhood or even recently. One of my counselor friends simply defined it as "an experience in which we currently don't have the inner resources to handle." Of course there are more extreme versions of trauma, but allow me to share with you some education on trauma from the Connection Coalition, who will be leading our Trauma Informed Yoga Training in about a month's time (November 15-17).
(From Connection Coalition's website):
What is Trauma?
In general, trauma can be defined as a psychological, emotional response to an event or an experience that is deeply distressing or disturbing. When loosely applied, this trauma definition can refer to something upsetting, such as being involved in an accident, having an illness or injury, losing a loved one, or going through a divorce. However, it can also encompass the far extreme and include experiences that are severely damaging.
Types of Trauma
Complex Trauma
Complex trauma happens repetitively. It often results in direct harm to the individual. The effects of complex trauma are cumulative. The traumatic experience frequently transpires within a particular time frame or within a specific relationship, and often in a specific setting.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after a person has been exposed to a terrifying event or has been through an ordeal in which intense physical harm occurred or was threatened. Sufferers of this PTSD have persistent and frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal.
Developmental Trauma Disorder
Developmental trauma disorder is a recent term in the study of psychology. This disorder forms during a child’s first three years of life. The result of abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment, developmental trauma interferes with the infant or child’s neurological, cognitive, and psychological development. It disrupts the victim’s ability to attach to an adult caregiver. An adult who inflicts developmental trauma usually doesn’t do it intentionally – rather, it happens because they are not aware of the social and emotional needs of children.
Trauma Symptoms
Often, shock and denial are typical reactions to a traumatic event. Over time, these emotional responses may fade, but a survivor may also experience reactions long-term.
These can include:
Anger
Persistent feelings of sadness and despair
Flashbacks
Unpredictable emotions
Physical symptoms, such as nausea and headaches
Intense feelings of guilt, as if they are somehow responsible for the event
An altered sense of shame
Feelings of isolation and hopelessness
Healing from Trauma
It is possible to heal from emotional and psychological trauma. We know that the brain changes in response to a traumatic experience, however, by working with a mental health professional who specializes in trauma, you can leave your trauma behind and learn to feel safe again.
If you work with kids in a professional setting, are an educator, counselor, or yoga instructor looking to expand your knowledge on trauma and how to assist in leading others to understand trauma and start to rebuild the neuropathways created by trauma, we encourage you to attend this life changing training next month.
