Trauma 101

- Elda-Rosa Coulthrust, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS

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trauma

noun.

1. any disturbing experience that results in significant fear, helplessness, dissociation, confusion, or other disruptive feelings intense enough to have a long-lasting negative effect on a person’s attitudes, behavior, and other aspects of functioning. Traumatic events include those caused by human behavior (e.g., rape, war, industrial accidents) as well as by nature (e.g., earthquakes) and often challenge an individual’s view of the world as a just, safe, and predictable place. - American Psychological Association Dictionary of Psychology

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This is a pretty fancy definition for ‘trauma’, but how does a ‘disturbing experience’ impact our brain and trigger reactions?

I will do my best to summarize a response to this question in this brief article:

Trauma 101

What Causes Trauma / How Does Trauma Affect the Brain / Symptoms of Trauma

What Causes Trauma?

We don’t have to directly go through an event to become “traumatized”. Trauma from exposure to indirect experiences is referred to as Vicarious trauma (VT) and Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS). These terms are frequently used interchangeably to refer to the indirect trauma that can occur when we are exposed to difficult or disturbing images and stories second-hand.

So… YES - we should consider the warnings before watching a crime documentary series or story lines with disturbing content.

The intensity of an event someone experiences may shape trauma in a few different forms:

1. Acute Trauma - results from a single distressing event

2. Chronic trauma - repeated and prolonged distressing events.

3. Complex trauma - exposure to various and multiple distressing events

According to the National Center for PTSD, going through trauma is not rare. About 6 of every 10 men (or 60%) and 5 of every 10 women (or 50%) experience at least one trauma in their lives.

Potential causes of trauma can include:

• bullying / harassment

• physical, psychological, or sexual abuse

• transportation incidents

• medical conditions and/or procedures

• grief/loss

• loss of freedom / isolation

• acts of terrorism / war / community violence

• natural disasters

• drug and/or alcohol abuse / misuse / addiction

How Does Trauma Affect The Brain?

Now, here is where we begin to understand a little about the biology of the brain and impact of trauma. There are 3 areas of the brain involved in the stress response: amygdala, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

Here is what happens: 👉 POTENTIAL THREAT - the amygdala sends an instant message to the hippocampus, activating the autonomic nervous system (ANS) 👉 The ANS is the unconscious system that regulates bodily functions such as respiration and heart rate 👉 The amygdala activates and processes information faster than the prefrontal cortex, so our body may have responded before we have been able to think about it. The amygdala also releases hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can prepare us for action. Once the potential threat is gone the body returns to normal/baseline - but it does not forget!

Research suggests that continued trauma is associated with lasting change in these brain areas. An imprint is left behind which attaches itself to conditions that occurred during the activation - which can then reactivate and create a reaction. TRIGGERS!

What Are The Symptoms Of Trauma?

A person who has experienced a traumatic event, may have symptoms that get worse in the weeks and months after the event. Symptoms include avoidance, anxiety, flashbacks, and persistent memories of the event. The symptoms become distressing and interfere with a person’s daily life and relationships. This progression can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Risk factors for developing PTSD include:

• injury

• previous trauma

• limited support after the trauma

• compounding stressors

• mental health status

There is no specific timeline on how long PTSD may last. A comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan by a qualified professional can help people to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Check out our trauma series:

Trauma and Addiction

Trauma Reaction & Recovery

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