Understanding Trauma: What It Is, How It Feels, and What It Does

Trauma is one of those words we hear a lot, but it’s not always clear what it really means. It's easy to assume trauma is something huge and dramatic, like surviving an earthquake or a car crash. But trauma isn't just about what happens to you; it's about how what happens to you affects your mind, body, and life. This blog is here to break it down in a way that anyone can understand, whether you’re directly affected by trauma or just curious about it.

What Exactly Is Trauma?

In simple terms, trauma is any experience that overwhelms your ability to cope or makes you feel helpless, scared, or completely out of control. It could be a single event, like an accident or losing a loved one, or a series of smaller, hurtful experiences over time—like feeling ignored, bullied, or unsafe.

There are two main types of trauma:

• Acute trauma: A one-time, specific event (e.g., an accident, a sudden loss).

• Chronic trauma: Ongoing, repeated stress or harm (e.g., living in an abusive household, enduring systemic oppression).

Trauma affects everyone differently. What might feel traumatic to one person may not have the same impact on someone else. But, generally, trauma takes a toll on both our emotional and physical well-being.

How Does Trauma Feel?

Experiencing trauma can feel like your world has been flipped upside down. It’s not just emotional pain—it can be a deep sense of shock, confusion, and vulnerability. Here are some ways trauma might feel:

• Numbness or disbelief: It’s hard to accept what’s happened, or you might feel like you’re in a fog, disconnected from your surroundings.

• Overwhelming emotions: Shock, sadness, guilt, fear, or anger might flood in, sometimes all at once.

• Anxiety or constant fear: You may feel on edge, always expecting the worst or constantly worried something bad will happen again.

• Helplessness: A feeling like you can’t control anything in your life anymore.

These feelings can last for a long time, sometimes weeks, months, or even years.

The Long-Term Impact of Trauma

Trauma can have deep and lasting effects on your mental, emotional, and physical health. Sometimes, you might not even recognize the impact until much later. Here’s how trauma might show up:

1. Mental Health Struggles
   Many people with trauma go on to experience issues like:

   • Depression: Feeling hopeless or stuck in a dark place.

   • Anxiety: Constant worry or panic about things that seem out of control.

   • PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): Repeated, intrusive memories of the event, nightmares, or flashbacks.

   • Difficulty trusting others: Trauma can leave you feeling like the world is unsafe, which may make it hard to open up or trust people.

2. Physical Health Issues
   Trauma isn’t just in your head—it can also show up in your body:

   • Chronic pain or fatigue: Even after the traumatic event is over, your body may carry the effects.

   • Sleep problems: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or nightmares.

   • Somatic symptoms: Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or digestive issues that have no clear medical cause but are linked to stress or trauma.

3. Difficulty with Relationships
   It’s hard to connect with others when you’re feeling overwhelmed, scared, or closed off. Trauma can make it tough to maintain relationships, and sometimes you might push people away or find yourself in unhealthy dynamics.

4. Changes in Self-Perception
   Trauma can alter how you see yourself. You might feel unworthy, ashamed, or like you’re "damaged." This can make it difficult to feel good about yourself or trust that things can get better.

Healing from Trauma

The good news is, healing is possible. It takes time and patience, but people can and do recover from trauma. Here are a few key elements of healing:

• Acknowledging the pain: Pretending everything’s fine doesn’t help. The first step is acknowledging that something hurt and that it needs attention.

• Sharing your emotions: Expressing how you feel is a big part of healing.

• Self-care: Taking care of your physical and emotional needs, like getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising, can go a long way in helping you feel stronger.

• Building a support system: Surrounding yourself with people who understand and support you can make all the difference.

• Patience and self-compassion: Healing is not linear. There will be good days and bad days, and that’s okay.

• Therapy: Reach out to a therapist trained to treat trauma.

Trauma isn’t something that just goes away on its own. It’s an experience that changes us, but it doesn’t define us. By understanding trauma, acknowledging its effects, and seeking support, we can begin to heal and reclaim control over our lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Healing is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone.

I assist people who struggle with trauma. To find out more,  feel free to have a look at trauma therapy.

@Psyche.First - www.psyche-first.com