Understanding Trauma: Its Impact and How to Heal

What Is Trauma?

Trauma is a familiar term to many of us, but it can mean different things to different people. Trauma is an emotional response to deeply emotional or disturbing events that overwhelm our ability to cope. Trauma can stem from a single event or a prolonged series of experiences, and it can leave lasting effects on our mental, emotional, and even physical health. 

Understanding what trauma is, how it manifests, and how to navigate healing is essential for anyone impacted by it—whether directly or through supporting a loved one.

Trauma isn’t just about the event(s) that happened, but how the mind and body respond to it. Common sources of trauma include abuse, neglect, accidents, natural disasters, loss of a loved one, and exposure to violence. However, what feels traumatic to one person might not affect another in the same way. Our personal histories, support systems, and resilience factors all play a role in how we experience and process trauma.

Types of Trauma:

• Acute Trauma: Resulting from a single distressing event, such as a car accident or sudden loss.

• Chronic Trauma: Repeated and prolonged exposure to stressful situations, such as ongoing abuse or bullying.

• Complex Trauma: Exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature.

  
  

How Trauma Affects the Mind and Body

Trauma’s impact goes beyond emotional pain, it can alter brain function and the body’s stress response. Individuals who have experienced trauma may experience:

• Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, mood swings, irritability, and feelings of guilt or shame.

• Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, and heightened startle responses.

• Behavioural Symptoms: Avoidance of triggers, trauma responses that do not align with your values, social withdrawal, substance use, or difficulty concentrating.

  
  

Understanding the brain's role, particularly the amygdala (which governs fear responses) and the hippocampus (which helps process memories), helps explain why trauma can feel inescapable. The nervous system may remain in a fight or flight response, or make it easier for your nervous system to go into fight or flight, making it difficult to feel safe even when danger has passed.

The Journey to Healing

Healing from trauma isn’t linear and it’s a unique process for each person. Recognizing that recovery takes time and patience is the first step toward reclaiming a sense of safety and control.

• Therapy: Many types of therapy modalities are useful for the treatment of trauma including trauma-informed approaches including Polyvagal, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and many more.

• Building Support Systems: Connecting with trusted friends, family, or support groups can provide validation and reduce feelings of isolation.

• Self-Care and Mindfulness: Activities that promote self-awareness and grounding techniques such as journaling, yoga, and meditation.

  
  

  

  
  

Breaking the Stigma Around Trauma

Many people feel shame about their trauma, believing that the best way to deal with the lasting emotional impact of the trauma is to "just get over it." However, trauma responses are valid and normal reactions to abnormal situations we have encountered. By fostering open conversations about trauma, we can create a supportive environment that encourages healing without judgment.

Trauma can leave lasting scars, but it doesn’t have to define us. With the right support, tools, and understanding, healing is possible.

Whether you’re navigating your trauma or supporting someone else, remember that patience, compassion, and professional help can make a world of difference. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider reaching out to The Nest Psychotherapy for a free 15-minute consultation or to book your first session today.