It's important to recognize that trauma can manifest in various forms and degrees, and it can indeed impact our present and future. Trauma, whether big or small, can leave lasting imprints on our emotional, psychological, and even physical well-being. These experiences can shape our beliefs, behaviors, and relationships, often without us realizing it.

 

Trauma can be categorized into two main types: big "T" traumas and small "t" traumas.

Big "T" traumas are typically associated with major life-threatening events such as:

• Accidents

• Sexual or physical violence

• Natural disasters

• Exposure to death

• Life-threatening illness

• Serious injuries

These events are often more easily recognized as traumatic due to their severity and immediate impact.

 

On the other hand, small "t" traumas are more subtle and can accumulate over time.

They may include experiences such as:

• Chronic stress

• Divorce or separation

• Having a baby

• Fertility struggles

• Major life transitions

• Losing a job

• Financial hardships

• Experiencing betrayal

• Being bullied or harassed

• Chronic interpersonal conflict

• Sudden loss

• Adverse childhood experiences

While these events may not seem as severe as big "T" traumas, they can still have a significant impact on our mental and emotional well-being.

 

When faced with overwhelming or traumatic experiences, the brain's survival mechanisms are activated, triggering a cascade of physiological responses throughout the nervous system. These experiences can leave imprints on our brain and body, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors long after the actual event has passed. An overactive survival response develops, which can lead to a sense of being stuck in repetitive patterns of behavior, despite a desire for change. This survival response can disrupt mood, energy levels, and cognitive functioning, making it difficult to engage fully in daily activities and relationships.

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Symptoms of unresolved trauma can look like:

• Feelings of being uncared for, rejected, or abandoned by others

• Weak or rigid interpersonal boundaries

• Persistent feelings of fear, resentment, anger, guilt, and/or shame

• Constantly worrying about the future or ruminating about the past

• Easily stressed or triggered into fight or flight

• People pleasing and self-abandonment

• Numbing, disassociating, addiction

• Anxious or avoidant tendencies in relationships

• Perfectionism or procrastination

• Lack of enjoyment in life and disinterest in daily activities

• Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., “I am bad,” “No one can be trusted,” “The world is completely dangerous,”)

 

Recognizing these patterns and their origins is an important first step in the healing process. Through therapy and other forms of support, individuals can learn to regulate their nervous system, develop healthier coping strategies, and reframe their understanding of past experiences. By doing so, they can begin to break free from the cycle of stress and trauma, and move towards greater resilience, empowerment, and well-being.

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