Understanding Trauma
The Trauma Informed Practice Guide
Trauma is any experience(s) that overwhelms your capacity to cope.
Here are five general categories of trauma;
Single incident trauma is an unexpected and overwhelming event like an accident, natural disaster, a single episode of abuse or assault, sudden loss, or witnessing violence.
Complex or repetitive trauma is related to ongoing abuse, domestic violence, war, ongoing betrayal, being a first responder and often involves being trapped emotionally and/or physically.
Developmental trauma results from early, ongoing or repetitive trauma (as infants, children and youth) involving neglect, abandonment, physical abuse or assault, sexual abuse or assault, emotional abuse, witnessing violence or death, and/or coercion or betrayal. This often happens in your own family.
Intergenerational trauma describes the psychological or emotional effects that can be experienced by people who live with trauma survivors. Coping and adaptation patterns developed in response to trauma can be passed from one generation to the next.
Historical trauma is a cumulative emotional and psychological wounding over the lifespan and across generations from massive group trauma. These collective traumas are inflicted by a dominant population. Examples of historical trauma include genocide, colonialism (for example, Indian hospitals and residential schools), slavery and war. Intergenerational trauma is an aspect of historical trauma.
This is an excerpt from the TIP guide which was developed on behalf of the BC Provincial Mental Health and Substance Use Planning Council in consultation with researchers, practitioners and health system planners across British Columbia.
Common Physical Sensations & Emotional Responses after Trauma
Physical reactions
sleeplessness
lack of appetite or increased appetite
increased startle reflex
sensitivity to noises
complex and chronic pain
stomach upset, gastrointestinal issues, acid reflux, colitis or irritable bowel
jaw, muscle and skeletal tension
Emotional Reactions
depression/intense sadness
anxiety
fear
anger & rage
sense of pending doom
emotional liability (quick changes in mood)
numbness
Behavioural Reactions
muteness
loss of interest in activities
fear of small or open spaces
skin picking
disordered eating
panic attacks (high heart rate, sweating, fear and rapid breathing)
cutting, self mutilation
disociating
amnesia
avoidance of anything similar to the event
Relational Reactions
compliance
trust issues
decreased interest in sex
intimate partner violence
hyper sexuality
cheating on a partner
pulling away from a partner
stunted communication
withdraw from friends/social groups
fear of a partner leaving
not wanting to be touched