Addiction & Trauma Recovery Center
Licensed by Thai Ministry of Health #84-03-00294
What Is Trauma?
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event such as an accident, crime, natural disaster, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, witnessing or experiencing violence, the death of a loved one or war. Immediately after the event, it is common to experience shock and denial. Over time, trauma can lead to unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.
While these reactions are normal, some people struggle to move forward with their lives. Therapists can help by providing constructive ways to manage and process these emotions.
Trauma can arise from any event that is overwhelmingly stressful, frightening, or distressing, particularly when it feels beyond your control. The impact of trauma can last a lifetime, varying in severity from person to person. It may stem from a single incident or from ongoing experiences over an extended period.
Most of us will encounter a traumatic event at some point in our lives. In the U.S., 26% of children experience a traumatic event before the age of four, and two-thirds will face at least one traumatic event before turning 16.
Understanding trauma and its effects is the first step toward healing. Professional help can provide the necessary support to navigate these challenging emotions and begin the journey to recovery.
In the U.S., 26% of children experience a traumatic event before the age of four. Two-thirds of children will experience a traumatic event before they turn 16.
Types of Trauma
Various life experiences can lead to trauma. Even if two people experience the same event, one might be traumatized while the other may not. Trauma is identified by its enduring effects rather than the event itself. It is considered traumatic if it results in long-term (or sometimes lifelong) adverse impacts.
If you don’t experience these lasting effects, the event either did not cause trauma or only caused short-term trauma. Trauma manifests in many ways because potentially traumatic events affect people differently. Here are different types of trauma with definitions and examples:
Acute Trauma
Acute trauma results from a single incident, such as a car accident or job loss. This type of trauma is specific and identifiable. You may have a strong reaction immediately after the incident, but the distressing effects usually don’t persist. Recovery from acute trauma is often faster compared to other forms.
Chronic Trauma
Chronic trauma develops from exposure to prolonged and repeated traumatic events. It may stem from experiences like emotional neglect, physical or sexual abuse, or other forms of ongoing mental, emotional, and physical harm. Chronic trauma can be difficult to pinpoint, as it doesn’t always have a clear start, middle, or end.
Complex Trauma
Complex trauma occurs when someone endures multiple or recurrent traumatic events. This often arises from situations where the survivor couldn’t escape and was compelled to endure, such as living with a parent with severe mental illness or substance abuse problems. People with complex trauma often feel unsafe and are hypervigilant about potential threats.
Secondary or Vicarious Trauma
Secondary or vicarious trauma happens when you are exposed to the traumatic experiences of others. Even though you didn’t directly experience the event, witnessing it can be traumatizing. This often affects doctors, first responders, and counselors whose roles require them to intervene during or after traumatic events. This type of trauma can also lead to burnout and compassion fatigue.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)
An ACE is any harmful experience a child faces before they are mature enough to handle it. This includes both directly experienced and witnessed events, such as child sexual abuse, the death of a loved one, emotional neglect, and divorce. ACEs influence a child’s brain development and impact their mental health into adulthood.
Naturally Caused Trauma
Naturally caused trauma results from natural disasters or occurrences. These events range from hurricanes and blizzards to floods or volcanic eruptions. Any natural occurrence that induces distress or panic can lead to trauma.
Human-Caused Trauma
Human-caused trauma arises from traumatic events caused by people, either accidentally or intentionally. Accidental traumatic events include car accidents, plane crashes, or friendly fire. Intentional traumatic events cover a broader range, including any form of abuse or violence like warfare, homicide, arson, bullying, or harassment.
Individual Trauma
Individual trauma affects one person but can impact others around them. It includes single, multiple, and prolonged traumatic events. Those who experience this type of trauma are less likely to disclose it or receive help compared to those who experience group trauma.
Group Trauma
Group trauma occurs when a small group with a shared identity or history experiences a traumatic event. For example, group trauma can happen to first responders or military personnel. Those affected often only feel comfortable discussing the trauma with others from their group.
Mass Trauma
Also known as collective trauma, mass trauma happens when a single event impacts a large number of people. This includes natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and human-caused events like war or terrorism. The recent COVID-19 pandemic is an example of mass trauma. It necessitates large-scale resources for coping and recovery, but those affected also tend to unite because of their shared experience, facing both mental and financial struggles to return to normal.
Re-Traumatization
Re-traumatization can occur at any point in a survivor’s life. It happens when they encounter situations that remind them of the traumatic event, triggering stress reactions or flashbacks. Survivors can also be re-traumatized during trauma care, as recounting events or answering questions from clinicians can evoke memories.
What Are the Symptoms of Trauma?
If you or someone you care about has experienced a traumatic event, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma. Identifying these indicators is crucial for seeking help and finding effective coping strategies. Trauma manifests differently in each person, but some common signs include:
Having panic attacks
Being constantly on edge or hyperaware
Feeling anxious, frightened, resentful, or unsafe
Losing interest in everyday activities
Becoming irritable or quick-tempered
Excessive worrying or frequent crying
Disturbed sleep patterns, often with nightmares
Avoiding anything that reminds you of the event
Withdrawing from loved ones
Showing symptoms of depression
Turning to unhealthy substances for coping
In addition to emotional and psychological symptoms, trauma survivors may also experience physical reactions such as:
Headaches
Fatigue
Digestive problems
Excessive sweating
Rapid heartbeat
Being easily startled
Professional support can help you address your traumatic symptoms and start the journey toward recovery. At Holina Rehab, we offer a compassionate and comprehensive approach to trauma treatment, providing the care and support needed to reclaim your life.
Holina Residential Treatment
We have a wonderful resort here on the beautiful tropical island of Koh Phangan, with a private beach, multiple swimming pools, sauna, gym, massage hut, etc and many salas and other hangouts.
We cater to all dietary requirements and we have an open policy towards people from all religions, atheists, cultures, classes, gender / gender identities, sexuality, age and body shapes.
Safe & Luxurious Resort
Gorgeous Rooms
Seaview Sunset Location
On Site Treatment
2 Seaside Pools
Fully Equipped Gym
Ice Bath & Sauna
Holina Cafe
