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Writer's pictureTiffany Bentley

Have I experienced trauma?: Understanding trauma beyond PTSD





What is Trauma?


Trauma manifests in various forms, but a common thread among those experiencing trauma symptoms is the overwhelming of the nervous system. Simply put, trauma is anything that overwhelms our nervous system. Examples include starting at a new school, being publicly criticized by a boss, or receiving distressing news about a loved one. In each scenario, our nervous system's response may come from a place of heightened arousal, immobility, or a mix of both, as described by Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, which outlines our Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn responses.


Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn Responses: Understanding Polyvagal Theory


Dr. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory helps us understand how our nervous system reacts to trauma. The theory identifies four primary responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn. These responses are our body's way of protecting us in the face of perceived threats. When we encounter a traumatic event, our nervous system automatically chooses the most suitable response to ensure our survival.

  • Fight: This response involves facing the threat head-on. It may manifest as anger, aggression, or a strong drive to overcome the situation.

  • Flight: This response entails escaping from danger. It may present as anxiety, restlessness, or an urgent need to leave the situation.

  • Freeze: This response is characterized by immobility or shutting down. It often occurs when neither fighting nor fleeing seems possible, resulting in feelings of numbness or dissociation.

  • Fawn: This response involves trying to appease or please the threat to avoid harm. It can manifest as people-pleasing behaviors or excessive compliance.


Understanding these responses helps us recognize that our reactions to trauma are automatic and rooted in our biology. They are not signs of weakness but rather survival mechanisms designed to protect us.


Not Everyone Experiences PTSD from Trauma





While PTSD is often associated with trauma, it's essential to recognize that trauma can lead to other conditions like anxiety, depression, or various disorders. Trauma shapes our perceptions of safety and self-worth, influencing how we navigate the world. It's important to acknowledge that everyone's response to trauma is unique. Some individuals may develop PTSD, while others might experience different mental health challenges. The impact of trauma is multifaceted and can affect various aspects of our lives, from our relationships to our overall sense of well-being.


Trauma responses exist on a spectrum, and the way individuals process traumatic events can vary widely. While some may develop PTSD, others might experience Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), characterized by severe anxiety, dissociation, and other distressing symptoms that occur in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event. Although ASD typically lasts for a shorter duration than PTSD, it can be just as debilitating. Adjustment Disorders can also occur when an individual has difficulty coping with or adjusting to a specific stressor, leading to emotional or behavioral symptoms that, while generally less severe than those of PTSD, can still significantly impact one's daily life.


Moreover, trauma can lead to various anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder, manifesting as persistent worry, panic attacks, or extreme fear in social situations. Depressive disorders are another potential outcome, where trauma contributes to major depressive disorder (MDD) or persistent depressive disorder (PDD), leading to prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Understanding this spectrum underscores the diverse ways trauma can influence mental health, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to treatment and support.


What Does It Mean If I Have Experienced Trauma?


If you've experienced trauma, it's beneficial to explore how these experiences may currently affect you. Do they cause distress in your life today? If so, seeking help is a proactive step. Working through trauma can be challenging, and it's advisable not to attempt it alone. Finding a therapist or support group can provide a safe space to explore your experiences and their impact on your thoughts, decisions, and actions.


Recognizing the impact of trauma on your life is the first step toward healing. Trauma can influence how you perceive yourself and the world around you. It may affect your relationships, work, and overall quality of life. By seeking help, you are taking a courageous step toward reclaiming your life and finding a path to healing.


What Now?





If you have decided to seek treatment, this is a great first step. Many types of therapy can be helpful when working through trauma, but EMDR stands out. EMDR is a mind and body-based approach that focuses not only on memories but also on how your brain and body have interpreted those experiences. This flexibility means you don’t have to recall a specific traumatic event or even have a memory at all to benefit from EMDR.


EMDR therapy involves eight phases that guide individuals through the process of healing from trauma. These phases include history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. During the desensitization phase, clients engage in bilateral stimulation (often through eye movements) while recalling distressing memories. This process helps reprocess the traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing for healthier integration.


Processing Traumatic Experiences: The Role of EMDR


Not all traumatic experiences persist indefinitely; evidence from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) shows that sometimes we can process these experiences and prevent memories from becoming "stuck". EMDR is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer hold the same emotional charge. For instance, if your first day of elementary school was challenging and your parents responded with gentleness and support, helping you feel safe again, you might draw a positive lesson from the experience—learning that you can overcome difficulties with support. However, without such supportive processing, negative beliefs like "school isn't safe" or "I'm destined to fail" can develop and generalize over time. Unresolved memories, thoughts, or emotions can be easily triggered by reminders or similar situations, leading to symptoms such as feeling triggered and negative self-perceptions, which are typical in PTSD.


Benefits of EMDR Therapy


EMDR offers many benefits for individuals who have experienced trauma:


  • Reduction of distress: EMDR helps reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories, allowing individuals to recall them without being overwhelmed.

  • Improved self-perception: By reprocessing negative beliefs associated with trauma, EMDR helps individuals develop healthier self-perceptions and self-worth.

  • Enhanced coping mechanisms: EMDR equips individuals with effective coping strategies to manage triggers and stressors related to trauma.

  • Holistic healing: EMDR addresses both the mind and body, promoting holistic healing and integration of traumatic experiences.


If you're interested in exploring whether EMDR might be right for you, please reach out. Our trained professionals can guide you through the EMDR process, providing the support and expertise needed to navigate your healing journey. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and you don't have to face trauma alone. Taking the first step toward healing is a powerful decision that can lead to a more fulfilling and empowered life.

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