According to SAMHSA:
Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being. (p. 7)
What does all this mean?
1) It means that trauma isn't restricted to just car accidents, or sexual abuse, or natural disasters. It means that trauma can be anything, like repeated bullying, exposure to noxious chemicals, or even certain sounds that repeat over and over and are emotionally damaging.
2) It means that we shouldn't judge ourselves or others for what we relate to as traumatic. As the SAMHSA report states, " A particular event may experienced as traumatic for one individual and not
for another" (p. 8). Thinking an event shouldn't be traumatic doesn't mean it isn't. Our experiences in life are highly individual
3) It means we should be on the lookout for signs of trauma, like hypervigilance, or a startle response, or numbness, or avoiding, or social isolation. Trauma is a brain injury and needs attention. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, get help! Trauma responses may worsen without treatment.
Think you may have trauma?
If you are in crisis:
- Call 911
- Go to the nearest Emergency Room
- Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.
- Tell a trusted friend or family member what you can.
- Consider consulting with a licensed counselor.
- Consider treatment.
*Thanks to Paige Smathers and Jenni Schaefer for their honest and in-depth discussion of trauma on the Nutrition Matters Podcast Episode 64.
I really appreciate point 2, what is traumatic for one person may not be traumatic for another person. That really goes for most things in life too. Experience are individualistic.
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