By Anna McKenzie
“Trauma is the most avoided, ignored, denied, misunderstood, and untreated cause of human suffering,” states trauma specialist and Meadows Senior Fellow Dr. Peter Levine in his book, Healing Trauma. Whether we want to face it or not, trauma is a serious physical, emotional, and mental health issue that must be addressed to restore healthy human functioning.
Examples of trauma include life-threatening violence, abuse, illness, or injury, but the experience of trauma is wide-ranging and comes from a number of sources, from single events to chronic exposure to certain circumstances. It can have a lasting effect on your life, even perpetuating addiction and other mental health conditions. The good news is that with the right attention, trauma can be resolved, leaving resilience and maturity in its wake.
Trauma is a serious physical, emotional, and mental health issue that must be addressed to restore healthy human functioning.
Trauma Definition: “Big T” Trauma vs. “Little t” Trauma
Trauma can be defined as an experience that a person perceives to be life-threatening. This is unique for everyone. What is perceived as life-threatening to some may not be experienced the same way by others. Unresolved trauma may result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is acute, or it may result in symptoms that develop over time, such as chronic pain, digestive problems, psychosomatic illnesses, and depression. We have all experienced trauma in some form or degree, or we will at some point during our lives, but how it affects our quality of life may be as varied as how we respond to it. While there are no small traumas, there are what some experts call “big t” and “little t” traumas.
Examples of Trauma
A “big T” trauma may be an event, such as:
- Rape or sexual abuse
- Physical assault
- A serious accident
- Childhood neglect or abandonment
- Severe illness or injury
- Witnessing violence or death
- Natural disasters
- War or combat
- The death of a loved one
A “little t” trauma is personal distress experienced from certain events or ongoing situations that accumulate to inhibit functioning, such as a divorce or breakup, a toxic work environment, being bullied, financial issues, or emotional abuse.
The Effects of Childhood Trauma
Childhood trauma can be especially damaging to your physical and emotional health. One study of 10,000 patients conducted by Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience revealed that those with a history of severe childhood maltreatment showed:
- 4 to 12 times greater risk for developing alcoholism, depression, drug abuse, and suicide attempts
- 2 to 4 times greater risk for smoking, 50+ sex partners, and sexually transmitted disease
- 1.4 to 1.6 times greater risk for physical inactivity and obesity
- 1.6 to 2.9 times greater risk for ischemic heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease skeletal fractures, hepatitis, stroke, diabetes, and liver disease
Why is this the case? The effects of trauma can compound over time, and they may impact a child’s ability to develop healthy boundaries, emotional regulation, and appropriate decision-making and reasoning skills. Trauma can even impair physiological development and learning ability. Some examples of childhood trauma include the following:
- Neglect, betrayal, or abandonment
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Serious injury or illness, or prolonged immobilization
- Exposure to violence or death
- Extreme exposure to heat, cold, or loud noises
- Death of a parent or caregiver
- Accidents or natural disasters
Childhood trauma has consequences, but it can be processed and resolved. The earlier a child can receive therapy or treatment, the better outcomes they may have; but even those who have grown up without treatment can find healing and support in their adulthood. It’s never too late to heal from trauma for those who are willing to try. In fact, even those who have experienced many traumas throughout their lives can develop a greater resilience and ability to handle life’s challenges.
What Is Complex Trauma?
While traumas vary, each experience of trauma may be classified as acute or complex. Acute trauma generally stems from a single event. Complex trauma, in which a person is repeatedly exposed to perceived life-threatening situations — especially in their early years — is more likely to result in severe outcomes. The British Journal of Psychiatry says it can be defined as a traumatic experience involving multiple events with interpersonal threats during childhood or adolescence.
It’s never too late to heal from trauma for those who are willing to try.
While complex trauma may be multifaceted and affect many areas of your life, it can be treated effectively. As the science of trauma continues to be explored, innovative treatments are being developed that are minimally invasive and low-impact. At The Meadows Malibu, we utilize some of these treatments at our Brain Center, such as neurofeedback and biofeedback, to help patients understand their responses to trauma and resolve the symptoms they’re experiencing. This is in combination with other types of evidence-based therapies that offer support and a path to healing.
Healing Through Trauma Treatment
At The Meadows Malibu, we’re able to treat trauma and the conditions it often perpetuates, such as substance use disorders and mental health issues. We foster a renewed mind-body connection that allows for the healing of the whole person. Our 12-bed, luxury treatment center offers a safe, secluded environment away from the public eye and the many demands of a high-profile lifestyle. If you’re struggling with trauma and seeking a well-appointed, restorative place to heal, contact us today.