Because from time to time there is a lot in the media and online about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), there can be a lot of questions and confusions on Trauma vs PTSD. Common questions often include: If I had a traumatic experience, do I have PTSD? Does everyone with trauma get PTSD? Why would I get PTSD now?
I thought it would be helpful to write a post about the different types of trauma. So, a trauma simply means that you encountered a negative experience that was emotionally difficult, at some point. This could be something you experienced, witnessed or to which you were exposed. Examples might include childhood abuse, violence in adulthood, war, accidents, medical traumas, natural disasters, community violence, etc.
WHAT IS PTSD?
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that sometimes occurs after someone is exposed to a trauma. It is after the trauma is over, but your brain doesn’t realize it’s over. Your brain gets stuck on high alert like you still need to fight off the trauma. This can affect your ability to communicate with others, control your emotions and problem solve. This is why early treatment is so important.
Different Levels of Exposure to Trauma
There are three levels of exposure to trauma: direct, indirect and insidious.
A direct trauma is something that you experienced first-hand. It either happened to you or you were physically there to witness it. Examples include an accident, abuse, neglect, war, natural disaster, etc.
An indirect trauma is something that didn’t happen to you. It happened to someone close to you, like a close family member or friend. This could also be a familiar environment. An example of this would be an attack at your workplace, on your day off. It happened to people you know in a familiar environment, but not to you.
An insidious trauma is something that is always present around you. The exposure is slow and gradual over a long period of time. An example of this is being surrounded by ongoing neighborhood violence that you see happening but do not directly experience.
Types of Trauma
When looking at direct trauma, there are three general categories: acute, chronic and complex.
Acute Trauma is considered a simple trauma. The word simple is used because it refers to a single event from which you are having distress. An example would be a single car accident that was traumatic. You could have been in multiple car accidents, but there is only one car accident with which you are struggling.
Chronic Trauma refers to a combination of multiple traumas that are causing you distress. This is repeated exposure to the same or different traumas. Examples of this would be being bullied over a long term, chronic medical illness, repeated exposure to war, combat, eviction, etc.
Complex Trauma is very similar to Chronic Trauma because it is also multiple exposures to trauma over a prolonged period of time. However, complex trauma differs in that it requires an element of betrayal of trust. Complex trauma (experienced or witnessed) usually start early on in life (such a developmental traumas) and occurs repeatedly through childhood or a lifetime. Also, the perpetrator is usually a caregiver or trusted adult, which causes the betrayal of trust. Examples of complex trauma include childhood abuse or neglect, abuse in adulthood, domestic violence, family violence in childhood, etc.
Because of the complicated nature of the trauma, chronic and complex trauma if left untreated can result in difficulty in relationships, trouble with emotions, feelings of hopelessness and a distorted self-image or low self-esteem.
How To Get Help
You can find resolution for your trauma and PTSD related symptoms and lead a happy, full life.
If you are interested in seeing a PTSD therapist or would like additional information on trauma treatment, call or contact me for a free consultation or to schedule an appointment.
To find out more about my services, click here: PTSD Treatment
Sources:
What Is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? (2019, November). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd#1
Grande, Dr. Todd. (2018, March). What is the Difference Between Acute, Chronic and Complex Trauma? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH3O3rfxMPg.
Categories of Trauma. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.ok.gov/odmhsas/documents/CategoriesofTrauma%20Transcript.pdf.