Understanding the Nature of Trauma and Its Impact on us.
- Kerry Hampton
- Apr 19
- 9 min read
Updated: May 10
The word "trauma" originates from the Greek word for "wound." Initially, it was used to describe physical injuries, actual wounds to the body, but over time, its meaning has expanded.
Dr. Gabor Maté once said, "Trauma is not what happens to you, it’s what happens inside you as a result of what happened to you."
This means that trauma isn't just about the painful event itself; it's about the lasting effects that event has on you. In simple terms, it's not the accident, loss, or abuse that hurts you most, it’s how those events change your feelings, thoughts, and even your body. The real struggle is the inner experience you carry with you long after the event is over.
Dr. Peter Levine reminds us, "Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness." This means that trauma isn't just about the painful events themselves, it’s also about the emotions and hurt you hold inside when there is no one there to truly listen, understand, and see you. Without an empathetic witness to your pain, that unspoken hurt can become locked within you, making healing more difficult.
These insights come from two of the most influential pioneers in trauma care: Dr. Gabor Maté, a leading authority on trauma and addiction, and Dr. Peter Levine, the pioneer behind Somatic Experiencing. Together, their work reinforces the idea that true healing requires addressing both the emotional wounds and the physical imprints of trauma.
There are many more fantastic insights from experts in the trauma field that I could share, but this blog would be far too long if I did. Trauma is incredibly complex, nuanced, and layered; its effects can stem from a wide range of experiences, often extending far beyond what many might consider simply distressing. Trauma is hard, it can be debilitating, closing our world off and isolating us.
Over recent years, our understanding of trauma has grown, and we have gained valuable insights into how it influences behaviour, mental health, and relationships. We know that the way trauma affects each person can vary significantly based on their background, upbringing, culture, personality, and support systems.
In this post, we will explore what trauma is, the different types of trauma, its emotional and physical impacts, and effective strategies for healing.
Defining Trauma.
Our nervous system is always active, constantly monitoring for both danger and safety and is very clever, helping us survive. Trauma occurs when a distressing event, or a series of events, overwhelms our ability to cope and restore balance. This can happen after a single incident, like a car crash, or through prolonged exposure to stress, such as ongoing neglect or domestic abuse.
When the experience is too much for us to process, our brain shifts into survival mode. This involves triggering responses like fight, flight, freeze, or even a "play dead" response, where everything seems to slow down as your system essentially shuts off. You might feel a rush of adrenaline, a racing heartbeat, and shortness of breath during these moments. Sometimes, you may even have to rush to the bathroom.
Normally, the higher-order parts of our brain, such as the prefrontal cortex (the front part of your brain), help us understand, process, and store our experiences as coherent memories. However, in a high-stress situation, these areas can be bypassed. Instead of “digesting” the experience, the brain stores it as raw, fragmented sensations and emotions. Without proper processing, these pieces remain stuck in your nervous system, and reminders of the event can trigger unexpected emotional or physical reactions.
For example, imagine being in a dangerous situation where every instinct tells you to escape, yet you find yourself frozen, unable to move even though you desperately want to run. This freeze response demonstrates how trauma can thwart your natural escape instincts, leaving you feeling stuck, with the cycle of reaction and recovery left incomplete.
This explanation underscores that trauma doesn't follow a neat timeline or a linear path to recovery. Every person's reaction is different, shaped by their unique past and individual capacity to process overwhelming experiences. If it hurts you, it's real; no one can measure who should be "over it" sooner or who has suffered more. Recognizing that your experiences have left unprocessed imprints in your body and mind is a vital step toward understanding and healing and there is no "One size fits all."
Healing from trauma and helping our nervous system feel safe again, is no small feat. It can be hard work, exhausting, stressful, and even frustrating at times. Remember, the journey is gradual and requires a great deal of self-compassion because you're doing the best you can with what you have.
Having gone through many Traumas myself, I know exactly how this feels, and sometimes we ask "Why me?." Remembering that every small step forward is a testament to your courage and resilience, trusting your pace and progress along the way, for what your nervous system can deal with, is vital, we never have to repeat our trauma, its about how its holding us and showing up for us in the present.
Understanding Trauma and Its Impact.
Trauma is trauma at its core, and while professionals sometimes use labels to help us understand and tailor our responses, these classifications are not meant to suggest that we are "disordered." Rather, they capture the unique challenges we face as we work toward healing and growth.
Acute Trauma: Acute trauma results from a single distressing event—such as a hurricane, a sudden loss, or a serious car accident. The emotional impact can be intense initially, but with the right support, these feelings often soften and diminish over time.
Chronic Trauma: Chronic trauma comes from ongoing exposure to distressing situations over an extended period. This might involve living in a war zone, experiencing systemic oppression, or enduring long-term abuse. These repeated stressors can leave deeper, more persistent marks on your emotional and psychological well-being.
Complex Trauma: Complex trauma emerges from multiple traumatic incidents, often occurring within close relationships—think longstanding childhood abuse or prolonged neglect. The effects can extend into challenges with regulating emotions, establishing a stable sense of self, and building healthy relationships, which can make the healing process more complicated.
PTSD: When trauma occurs, it may lead to what is commonly known as PTSD. This does not mean there is something inherently wrong with you; rather, it indicates that the intense experience has created enduring reactions, such as flashbacks, nightmares, or persistent anxiety. While emotional trauma is a normal response to a disturbing event, it evolves into PTSD when your nervous system becomes “stuck,” leaving you in a state of psychological shock, unable to process or make sense of what happened.
Complex PTSD (CPTSD): In some cases, especially when trauma is prolonged or rooted in early developmental experiences, the reaction goes beyond what is typically seen with PTSD. Complex PTSD includes all the symptoms of PTSD while adding deeper challenges with emotional dysregulation, issues with self-identity, and difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships.
Developmental Trauma: Developmental trauma refers to adverse experiences during childhood that disrupt normal emotional and psychological growth. These early wounds can shape how you relate to yourself and others throughout your life. The disruption in the nervous system can lead to long-lasting changes, including delays in physical maturation, altered behaviour, challenges in thinking clearly, managing emotions, and socializing with others.
Transgenerational /Generational Trauma: Transgenerational trauma acknowledges that the impact of traumatic events can ripple across generations. Researchers have found that mothers who have experienced childhood trauma or other adverse experiences can pass these effects on to an unborn baby, with scans showing altered brain circuitry in young children.
As Mark Wolynn observes, “The history you share with your family begins before you are even conceived. In your earliest biological form, as an unfertilized egg, you shared a cellular environment with your mother and grandmother. Likewise, the precursor cells of the sperm you developed from were present in your father when he was a foetus in his mother’s womb. Three generations share the same biological environment.”
This means that the effects of trauma can be passed down, subtly shaping family dynamics and cultural patterns long after the original events occur.
Remember, while these labels provide a framework for understanding different trauma responses, every experience is unique and valid. Healing involves addressing emotional, physical, relational, and even intergenerational aspects of trauma. No matter how it's categorized, the impact of trauma on your well-being is real, and so is the potential for growth and recovery.
Emotional Impact.
People who have experienced trauma commonly report a range of emotional struggles. Some of these include:
Heightened Anxiety & Depression: Persistent worry, sadness, and mood swings can arise as the psyche struggles with overwhelming experiences.
Intrusive Memories & Hypervigilance: Flashbacks and an ever-alert state can tether you to past events, making it difficult to fully relax.
Suicide ideation; Sometimes, when pain feels unbearable, the brain starts seeking ways to escape.
Dissociation & Emotional Numbing: As a protective response, you might feel detached or disconnected, a way for the mind to shield itself from intense pain.
Irritability and Anger: Increased frustration or short-tempered reactions, even to minor triggers.
Guilt and Shame: Intense self-blame or feelings of worthlessness that stem from the trauma.
Difficulty Trusting: Challenges in forming close relationships or trusting others as a result of past hurt.
Emotional Dysregulation: Erratic mood swings or difficulty managing intense emotions.
Loss of Interest: A diminished ability to enjoy activities that once brought joy.
These emotional struggles can significantly influence social interactions, work performance, and relationships, extending the impact of trauma beyond the individual.
Physical Impact.
Trauma can produce physical symptoms as well. For example, individuals dealing with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) may experience:
Chronic Pain: Persistent aches, muscle tension, and headaches that can become a constant reminder of the stress stored in your body.
Fatigue: Overwhelming exhaustion that interferes with daily tasks and lowers overall energy levels, making even routine activities challenging.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, which can exacerbate fatigue and affect overall health.
Unexplained Health Issues: Increased susceptibility to illnesses, such as frequent colds, digestive disorders, or other vague health concerns, likely linked to a weakened immune system.
Digestive Disorders: Issues such as stomach discomfort or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as trauma can disrupt the normal functioning of your digestive system.
Cardiovascular Strain: Elevated stress levels can cause heart palpitations or raise blood pressure, impacting cardiovascular health.
Research highlights a strong connection between trauma and physical health problems, showcasing the importance of understanding the links between mental and physical wellness and working with the body and mind to recalibrate all parts.
When trauma occurs, “Our automatic danger signals are disturbed and we become hyper- or hypoactive; aroused or numbed out." — Bessel van der Kolk.
Healing from Trauma.
Recovering from trauma is a unique journey for every individual. There is no "One size fits all" or simple "Fix". Several effective strategies can aid in the healing process:
Therapy: Engaging in therapy often serves as a crucial step toward healing. Different therapeutic approaches help individuals process their experiences and develop coping strategies.
Mindfulness and Self-Care: Incorporating mindfulness, somatic techniques, breathwork, and self-care practices can enhance the healing journey. Activities such as meditation, yoga, or journaling can help manage anxiety and foster a deeper connection with one’s physical and emotional state.
Support Networks: Establishing a strong support network of friends, family, or support groups can provide the understanding and encouragement necessary during recovery. Sharing experiences with those familiar with trauma can foster resilience and healing. Evidence suggests that social support significantly reduces the severity of PTSD symptoms. We all long to belong.
Education, Psychoeducation, and Awareness: Increasing your knowledge about trauma empowers individuals to understand their experiences more deeply. Being aware of trauma’s effects can validate feelings and responses, helping those affected realize that their reactions are normal.
Moving Toward Recovery: Understanding and acknowledging trauma is the first essential step to addressing its impacts. Recognizing the different types of trauma and acknowledging its emotional and physical effects can empower individuals on their healing paths and help us to understand our nervous system is doing what's right for us. By utilizing effective healing strategies, such as therapy, mindfulness practices, and building robust support networks, individuals can navigate their recovery journeys toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
An Important Reminder...
Trauma has no timeline, and healing is not a linear process. Whether you experience acute, chronic, or complex trauma, your pain is both valid and uniquely yours, no matter what others say. The notion that recovery follows a set schedule is a misconception, each individual carries a unique blueprint shaped by past events, making comparisons both unhelpful and unfair.
When someone remarks, "Aren't you over this yet?" or minimizes your suffering with societal labels, remember that every emotion you feel is real and deserving of respect. Allow yourself the grace to heal at your own pace, embracing both your moments of progress and setbacks as essential parts of reclaiming your well-being.
Trauma may be an unfortunate part of the human experience, but we strive not to let it dictate our future, even when avoidance is a path we sometimes choose, its the path that can save us for a while too!
Healing is within reach, and hope is available to all if we are ready and able to face it head on.
