When Trauma Lingers: Untangling the Path to Healing

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Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are terms often used interchangeably, but although related they represent distinct experiences, with trauma being the precursor to PTSD. While trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event, PTSD is a specific psychiatric condition that can develop in response to trauma. While not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, it’s crucial to understand that both trauma and PTSD are part of the same continuum of emotional and psychological responses to distressing events. Let’s explore what trauma is, how it may evolve into PTSD, and what pathways to healing are available for those who suffer from these deeply impactful experiences.

What is Trauma?

Trauma refers to the emotional and psychological response to an overwhelmingly distressing event or series of events. It’s important to recognize that trauma is highly subjective—what might be traumatic for one person might not be for another. People who have experienced trauma often feel fear, helplessness, or horror, and it can leave lasting emotional scars.

Trauma can arise from a wide range of events, such as natural disasters, accidents, violence, or personal loss. While trauma is a natural response to such events, in some cases, the emotional burden persists and can lead to longer-term challenges such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

Types of Trauma

Trauma can take many forms, and it can stem from different circumstances. Understanding the different types of trauma is key to recognizing how deeply these events can affect individuals.

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• Acute Trauma: This type of trauma results from a single, overwhelming event. Examples include a serious car accident, experiencing an assault, or living through a natural disaster. The emotional aftermath of such events can be immediate, with shock and anxiety often being the first responses.

• Chronic Trauma: When someone experiences repeated exposure to distressing events, such as long-term abuse or neglect, this is considered chronic trauma. This form of trauma can create deep-seated emotional and psychological issues, particularly if the individual feels trapped in the situation.

• Complex Trauma: Complex trauma arises from exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an interpersonal nature, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or long-term bullying. Complex trauma is more likely to lead to difficulties in forming relationships and regulating emotions.

• Vicarious Trauma: Sometimes referred to as secondary trauma, vicarious trauma occurs when someone is exposed to the trauma experienced by others. First responders, therapists, and crisis counselors are particularly vulnerable to vicarious trauma because they are regularly exposed to the stories and experiences of people who have gone through traumatic events. Similarly, someone who hears about or witnesses something traumatic happen to a person or community they care about can also experience this form of trauma.

• Intergenerational Trauma: Also known as transgenerational trauma, this form of trauma is passed down from one generation to the next. It may result from historical events, such as war, genocide, or forced migration, and the psychological impact of those events can be inherited by descendants. For example, descendants of Holocaust survivors or Indigenous peoples affected by colonialism may continue to feel the emotional weight of traumas experienced generations before. Though they did not personally experience the traumatic events, the trauma’s impact on family dynamics and mental health can still persist. Emerging research in the field of epigenetics suggests that trauma can even lead to biological changes (altering how certain genes are expressed) and these changes may be passed down, influencing stress responses in future generations.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a specific mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While trauma is a normal emotional response, PTSD occurs when the brain and body remain "stuck" in the trauma, unable to process or resolve it. This leads to a prolonged state of distress that includes symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and hypervigilance. People with PTSD often go to great lengths to avoid anything that might remind them of the trauma, which can make daily life and relationships extremely difficult.

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Trauma vs. PTSD: A Connected Experience

While trauma is a reaction to a distressing event, PTSD is a more severe, long-term condition that may arise when trauma isn’t adequately processed or treated. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and the severity of PTSD can vary widely. The key difference is that while trauma symptoms might fade with time or support, PTSD is more persistent and often requires professional intervention to manage effectively. However, both trauma and PTSD are part of the same emotional experience, and acknowledging this connection is vital for healing.

Healing from Trauma and PTSD

The good news is that trauma and PTSD are treatable conditions, and there is hope for recovery. Research has shown that many people who seek treatment experience significant relief from their symptoms.

• Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly trauma-focused CBT, is one of the most effective forms of treatment for trauma and PTSD. Therapies such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), prolonged exposure therapy, and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) are also highly effective in helping individuals process traumatic memories. Studies show that up to 80% of people who receive therapy for PTSD see improvement in their symptoms.

• Medication: For some individuals, medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs can help manage symptoms like depression and hyperarousal. These medications can stabilize mood and allow individuals to engage more effectively in therapy. Roughly 60% of people with PTSD report improvement when taking medication to treat symptoms.

• Support Systems: Building a strong support system of friends, family, and healthcare providers can also play a crucial role in recovery. Group therapy and peer support groups can provide a sense of community, helping individuals feel less isolated in their struggles.

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• Alternative Treatments: Alternative treatment approaches are also gaining traction for trauma and PTSD. These include neurofeedback and brain mapping, which help regulate brain activity; ketamine-assisted therapy, which is showing promise for treatment-resistant cases; transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive technique that stimulates neural pathways; and cold therapy, such as ice baths or cryotherapy, which can help reset the nervous system. These innovative options provide alternative paths to healing, offering hope to those for whom traditional treatments may not be effective.

Moving Forward with Hope

While the effects of trauma and PTSD can be life-altering, many people find that through effective treatment, not only they are able to reduce their symptoms, but they also build resilience and regain control over their lives. Healing takes time. Recovery is not always linear, but it is possible and worth the journey. If you are interested in seeking our services, Graceful Mind Therapy is here to support you.

by Maria Perdomo-Torres, LCSW-S, MHA, CFSW

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, please call 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, text 741-741 Crisis Text Line, dial 911, or visit the nearest hospital emergency room.