What is Trauma?

Trauma is an emotional response to any extremely distressing or disturbing event. Although trauma is a normal response, the effects can severely affect one's ability to cope in everyday life. Likewise, it can cause a lack of trust in yourself and others. Furthermore, it can lead to a myriad of other negative behaviors.

So, you can imagine how a traumatic experience can cause psychological trauma for a child. As a result, it can be difficult for them to cope and even function from day to day. 

What Is Complex Trauma?

There are so many circumstances or events that can be traumatic for an individual. It is challenging to process major life changes like illness, death, or job loss. As adults, we may be exposed to many traumatic events in our life. 

Often, even as adults, we don't know how to fully process such complex experiences. As a result, it can cause feelings of overwhelm and, ultimately, trauma. Here are some examples of traumatic life events for adults:

• Sexual abuse
• Physical abuse
• Divorce/Problems at home
• Parental abandonment
• Domestic violence
• Community and school violence (e.g., bullying or threats)
• Medical trauma- severe physical pain or injury 
• Serious illness
• Motor vehicle accident
• Natural and human-made disasters
• Suicide or death of a family member, friend, teacher, or pet
• War experiences

What Might Unresolved Trauma Look Like in My Life?

Traumatic experiences can trigger a variety of responses in an individual. Therefore, the symptoms can also vary. It is important to remember each of these are normal responses to trauma.

Symptoms can include: 

• irritable or difficult to comfort
• sad/depressed
• uncontrollable emotions
• anxiety
• aggression
• clinginess
• fatigue
• night terrors

Often individuals struggling with trauma talk about the mental and physical exhaustion.  Know you can receive support and tools to help you move towards recovery.   Remember when you experience a trauma it does not mean you are weak or broken.  Trauma has touched so many peoples lives.

How Can I Help A Loved One Heal From Trauma?

Validating and listening to your loved one is one of the best ways to promote healing. In addition to listening, you can help them by normalizing their reactions and feelings. Often, the person in your life is trying desperately to recover and heal.

It is heartbreaking to watch someone you care about struggle with such difficult symptoms.  Often being the partner of someone who struggles with trauma can take a toll on the relationship and the partner.  Working together we can explore ways you can provide comfort and an environment conducive for healing.  Each person that is affect by trauma needs support. 

You can help the person in your life engage in healthy healing practices. Here are a few ideas that can help with the healing process:

Tip #1 Avoid Isolation 

Tip #2 Move Your Body

Tip #3 Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

Working Through Trauma Can Be Frightening, but Healing Is Possible

As each individual works through their trauma, it can be frightening, painful, and even re-traumatizing.  The process of healing can vary from person to person. It is  important throughout the process to have compassion and patience. Furthermore, seeking professional help may be the best way to help address trauma. 

At Endeavour Counseling the goal is to provide you with many resources to help you identify the symptoms you are seeing in your life. Likewise, if your loved one has experienced a traumatic event,  work can focus on developing resources that can equip you with tools to help throughout their healing process.