Trauma: Understanding What It Is and How It Shows Up Inside of Us

Welcome to another installment of our exploration into mental health, where we delve into the complexities and nuances of trauma. Trauma is a multifaceted topic that often leads to confusion or minimization of personal experiences. People may not recognize their trauma because it doesn’t fit the typical mold of a catastrophic event. Others might downplay their experiences, believing they don't qualify as trauma because they weren't life-threatening. Trauma can also manifest in unexpected ways, like difficulty having fun or experiencing guilt during positive moments due to past associations with negative outcomes.

It’s essential to acknowledge that trauma can be a collection of events rather than a single incident, and its impact can be long-lasting, especially when compounded over time. The work of processing trauma often involves understanding how it affects your body and recognizing physical signs like tension or heart palpitations during stress. As your local trauma-informed therapists, we're committed to walking alongside you on your path to healing. For those in the Saskatoon area (or beyond seeking virtual support) we're here to help.

Defining Trauma: More Than Just Catastrophic Events

Trauma isn't just about the catastrophic events that make headlines. While "big T" traumas like natural disasters or significant accidents are universally acknowledged, "little t" traumas, such as emotional abuse or minor accidents, can be equally impactful. Dr. Gabor Maté eloquently states, “Trauma is not what happens to you, but what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.” This understanding underscores that trauma is deeply personal and varies widely among individuals.

Factors Influencing Personal Reactions to Trauma

The way individuals experience trauma can be influenced by various factors. The intensity, duration, and unpredictability of an event can all play a role in how traumatic it is perceived. Additionally, personal factors such as previous trauma, medical conditions, and individual sensitivity can affect one's response. Social support and aftercare also significantly impact how trauma is processed. A nurturing environment can mitigate the trauma's effects, while blame or isolation can exacerbate them.

The Somatic Nature of Trauma

One of the most intriguing aspects of trauma is its somatic presentation—how it's stored in the body. Many people experience physical symptoms such as chronic pain, autoimmune issues, or anxiety without realizing these might be manifestations of unresolved trauma. Our own experiences with traumatic events, and physical manifestations of this, remind us that trauma can lurk beneath the surface, influencing our physical health until we're ready to confront it.

Healing from Trauma: A Path to Recovery

Therapist Alana conducting an Accelerated Resolution Therapy session at You Therapies YXE, with a serene and welcoming office ambiance.

Healing from trauma requires acknowledging its presence and finding the right support. Therapies like Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) offer innovative ways to process trauma without re-experiencing distressing memories. ART helps individuals reframe their experiences and create new, healthier responses. Reflecting on our own experiences, both of us found ART transformative. It allowed us to process deep-seated traumas without needing to narrate them, instead focusing on the symptoms and teaching our nervous systems that it’s okay to release these burdens. The changes felt were profound, almost like magic, providing a new sense of peace and resilience.

The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

As therapists, we emphasize the significance of working with trauma-informed professionals. It's crucial to find someone who understands the delicate nature of trauma work and can guide you safely through the healing process. Remember, healing is a journey that takes time, and it's okay to move at your own pace.

Embracing Your Unique Path

Whether you're dealing with "big T" or "little t" trauma, or even if you're unsure what you're experiencing, honor your feelings. Seek support from professionals who can provide a safe space for exploration and healing. Your journey is unique, and recognizing your personal experiences is the first step toward recovery.