“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.” – Peter Levine

 

Trauma is an experience that can have a significant impact on our lives. It can be caused by a single event, or it can be a series of events that have left a lasting impression on our minds and bodies. Trauma can be experienced by anyone, at any age, and can have a wide range of effects on our physical and mental health. However, the good news is that there are ways to resolve trauma and move forward with our lives.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is a response to an event or a series of events that are experienced as threatening or harmful. These events can range from physical violence to emotional abuse, neglect, accidents, or natural disasters. Trauma can be experienced by anyone, at any age, and can have a wide range of effects on our physical and mental health.

Trauma can be classified into three categories:

• Acute trauma:

This type of trauma is caused by a single event, such as a car accident, physical assault, or natural disaster.

• Chronic trauma:

This type of trauma is caused by ongoing, repeated experiences, such as child abuse, domestic violence, or living in a war zone.

• Complex trauma:

This type of trauma is caused by exposure to multiple, chronic traumatic experiences, such as childhood sexual abuse, neglect, or living in a dysfunctional family.

 

How Trauma Affects Us

Trauma can have a significant impact on our lives, both physically and mentally. Some of the common effects of trauma include:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression and feelings of sadness
• Insomnia and nightmares
• Irritability and anger
• Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
• Hypervigilance and paranoia
• Avoidance of certain situations or people
• Substance abuse and addiction

Trauma can also have physical effects on our bodies, such as:

• Chronic pain and muscle tension
• Digestive problems and stomach pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Weakened immune system
• Heart disease and other chronic illnesses

How to Resolve Trauma

Resolving trauma is a process that requires time, patience, and professional help. There are several effective treatments for trauma, including:

1. Therapy

Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for trauma. There are several types of therapy that can be used to treat trauma, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

This type of therapy focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that are associated with trauma.

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

This type of therapy uses eye movements to help individuals process traumatic memories.

• Exposure therapy

This type of therapy involves gradually exposing individuals to the things that trigger their trauma, in a safe and controlled environment.

 

2. Medication

Medication can be used to treat the symptoms of trauma, such as anxiety and depression. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist.

 

3. Self-Care

Self-care is an essential component of trauma recovery. Some self-care strategies that can be helpful include:

• Exercise

Exercise can help to reduce anxiety and depression and improve overall physical health.

• Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation can help to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.

• Yoga

Yoga can help to reduce stress and improve flexibility and strength.

• Healthy eating

Eating a healthy diet can help to improve overall physical health and reduce the risk of chronic illness.

 

4. Support Groups

Support groups can provide individuals with a safe and supportive environment to share their experiences and connect with others who have experienced trauma. Support groups can be found online or in person.

 

The Consequences of Not Resolving Trauma

If trauma is not resolved, it can have long-lasting effects on our physical and mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Some of the consequences of not resolving trauma include:

1. Chronic Health Problems

Trauma can cause physical health problems such as chronic pain, digestive issues, and weakened immune systems. If trauma is not resolved, these health problems can become chronic and lead to more severe health issues later in life.

2. Mental Health Issues

Trauma can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If these issues are not addressed, they can lead to more severe mental health problems and impact a person’s ability to function in their daily life.

3. Substance Abuse

Trauma can also lead to substance abuse and addiction as individuals may use drugs or alcohol to cope with the emotional pain caused by their trauma. Substance abuse can cause physical and mental health problems and can lead to addiction and other social problems.

4. Relationship Issues

Trauma can also affect an individual’s ability to form and maintain relationships. It can make them avoidant, fearful, or distrustful of others, leading to isolation and loneliness.

5. Career Problems

Untreated trauma can also impact an individual’s ability to perform well in their career. It can lead to decreased productivity, difficulty focusing, and interpersonal problems with coworkers and management.

 

Trauma can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health, as well as our relationships and career. However, it is possible to resolve trauma and move forward with our lives. Seeking professional help through therapy and medication, practicing self-care, and joining support groups can all be effective ways to resolve trauma. It is essential to prioritize our mental health and take steps to resolve any unresolved trauma to live a healthier, happier life.