Trauma is a common experience that affects millions of people around the world. In fact, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), about 75% of Australians will encounter a traumatic event in their lifetime. But trauma does not have to define you or ruin your life. There are ways to heal from the pain and move forward with resilience and hope.
In this article, we will help you understand how trauma affects your body, mind, emotions, and behaviour. We will also share some strategies and tips for coping and recovering from trauma. Whether you have experienced trauma yourself or know someone who has, this article will provide you with valuable insights and resources to support your healing journey.
Trauma is defined as an emotional response to a distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, causing feelings of helplessness, diminishing their sense of self, and limiting their ability to feel a full range of emotions and experiences. It can also result from various experiences.
The way a person reacts to trauma can vary depending on several factors, including the type and severity of the event, available support systems, existing stressors, personality traits, and coping mechanisms. It is crucial to understand that common reactions to trauma are normal (as long as it is not too severe or lasts too long) and indicative of how the event has affected the individual. By acknowledging and accepting these reactions, individuals can begin to come to terms with what has happened.
Trauma can manifest in various physical symptoms, including:
These physical reactions are the body's natural response to stress and can be managed through self-care practices such as rest, exercise, and relaxation techniques.
Another way to understand common reactions to trauma is through the framework of the four types of stress responses:
fight, flight, freeze, and fawn
According to Darrin Brandis, Registered Psychologist and General Manager of PeopleSense by Altius, these are instinctive ways that people cope with traumatic situations, such as abuse, violence, or natural disasters.
Mr Brandis explained:
Fight types respond to danger by mobilising powerful aggression to protect themselves and others.
Flight types respond to danger by running and hiding until they escape to safety.
Freeze types respond to danger by shutting down, numbing out, and dissociating until the danger passes.
Fawn types respond to danger by immediately surrendering and complying with their potential attackers.
These stress responses can persist long after the traumatic event and affect how individuals perceive and react to everyday situations.
For example:
Fight types may become angry and defensive when faced with criticism or conflict.
Flight types may avoid social interactions and responsibilities that trigger anxiety.
Freeze types may isolate themselves and struggle with concentration and motivation.
Fawn types may have difficulty setting boundaries and expressing their own needs and preferences.
These patterns can interfere with one's sense of self, relationships, and wellbeing. However, it is possible to overcome the effects of trauma and regain a sense of control and safety in one's life. Recovering from trauma is a gradual process, and the following tips may help.
Some people who have experienced trauma may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which affects how they think, feel, and behave. PTSD is a condition that occurs when the impact of the event continues to cause high levels of stress after a month or more. Severe, prolonged reactions can be disabling and affect a person’s relationships and work. Some people may not realise they have PTSD and may struggle with their symptoms for a long time.
These signs can last for more than a month and make it hard to cope with everyday life. PTSD requires professional attention to help understand what is preventing recovery and get the process going again.
If this is the case, it is important to get help from a trained professional who can offer a safe and supportive space to explore the impact of trauma and find ways to heal and recover.
Experiencing trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's wellbeing. Understanding and acknowledging common reactions to trauma is the first step towards healing and recovery. By recognising that these reactions are normal, individuals can get the help they need and use coping strategies to get through whatever obstacles they may encounter. It is important to remember that recovery is a unique journey, and seeking professional help when needed is a crucial step towards regaining control and wellbeing.
If at any time you are worried about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one, call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or reach out to our registered psychologists at PeopleSense by Altius.