Effects of Trauma

There are Traumas with a big “T” and then there are traumas with a little “t”.  All traumas reinforce negative core beliefs such as I’m powerless, I’m worthless, I’m irresponsible, or I’m unsafe.  They leave us with, among others, feelings of shame, guilt, sadness, and anger.

The DSM-5 defines PTSD or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as exposure to an actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.  The effect of such events can cause recurrent or intrusive memories, nightmares, dissociative reactions (flashbacks), intense or prolonged psychological distress, marked physiological reactions, attempts to avoid the distressing memories or reminders of it, persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world, blaming oneself or others, persistent negative emotions, feelings of detachment (emotionally and physically) from oneself or others, inability to experience positive emotions, irritability or angry outbursts, reckless or self-destructive behavior, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, disturbances with concentration and sleep.

As you can see the consequences can be quite extensive.  The effects of complex, or early childhood, trauma brought on by a primary caregiver (or caregivers) are the most devastating because along with the trauma to one’s core beliefs and feelings is the impact of neglect.  The effect of childhood neglect is lifelong.  Think of it as, in addition to living with the symptoms outlined above, that you’re living your entire life running on empty or that the well is always dry.  Imagine how difficult it becomes to navigate the challenges of work, school, relationships, and raising children always feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and emotionally spent.  For some, it makes the possibility of maintaining work or long-term relationships almost impossible.  The job of regulating one’s emotional state becomes a constant struggle.

Complex childhood trauma can lead to other diagnoses such as reactive-attachment disorder in children, stress, anxiety, and depressive disorders, borderline, histrionic, and anti-social personality disorders, and substance use disorders.

Ultimately, the effect of trauma robs one of their ability to live in the present moment.

So, how does one overcome these potentially devastating effects?  A multi-faceted approach is usually most effective.  It may involve developing a wellness toolbox, learning coping skills, identifying triggers, practicing mindfulness, and meditation, practicing self-compassion, learning DBT skills to better regulate one’s emotional state, learning about the effects of trauma, learning EFT, getting into therapy, and evaluating the benefits of EMDR and psychopharmacological therapies.

I always have hope. The first steps in overcoming the effects of trauma, are acknowledging that there’s a problem, that only you can take responsibility for changing it, that help is available, and believing that you deserve a better life.