Trauma Survivors across Ages, Culture, and type of Trauma

Trauma is a profound, life-altering experience that can cause physical and psychological damage. People who have experienced trauma describe it as an “event” that caused this damage, but the reality is that trauma lives on in the body long after the incident has ended (Thomas et al., 2019). T

rauma may also be described as an experience that is so intense that it causes a person to feel overwhelmed, frightened, and helpless. This feeling may linger for a long time after the event has passed.

Traumatic events can range from being involved in an accident or natural disaster to being sexually assaulted or abused as a child. Trauma differs from other types of stress because it causes the victim’s nervous system to go into overdrive to protect itself from further harm (Thomas et al., 2019).

Symptoms of Trauma across the Lifespan

Various symptoms often characterize individuals suffering from trauma. One of the significant symptoms is emotional numbness and avoidance. People who have experienced trauma sometimes cannot express or feel emotions (Williams et al., 2018). They may feel detached from the world around them, as if they are not there.

If people are experiencing numbness or avoidance after a traumatic event, they may not be able to decide how to handle the aftermath of their experience; this can make it difficult for them to get back on track with their lives (Williams et al., 2018). They may also avoid situations that remind them of what happened during the trauma.

This symptom can be particularly harmful because it prevents people from seeking help for their condition or talking about their experiences with others who care about them (Williams et al., 2018). Avoidance symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on how much time and effort an individual puts into avoiding certain things.

Besides, people suffering from trauma and related conditions constantly feel on edge and hyper-vigilant (Williams et al., 2018). Individuals who have experienced trauma have trouble feeling safe and secure in their environment. They may be easily startled or startled by small noises that others consider normal (Williams et al., 2018).

A person experiencing hypervigilance may feel like they are always on the lookout for danger and thus are constantly on guard. They may also be more likely to interpret neutral situations as threatening; this means that they may interpret someone’s facial expression as hostile or offensive when it was not meant that way (Williams et al., 2018). Therefore, these victims are often put in situations where they are unable to concentrate on meaningful aspects of life since they are usually in fear of bad things happening to them

Additionally, trauma and related events are often characterized by trouble sleeping. People who have experienced trauma often experience nightmares and insomnia, leading to exhaustion over time (Williams et al., 2018). When someone has experienced trauma, they may have nightmares and sleep problems.

These can make it hard for them to function during the day, which can cause more stress, anxiety, and depression (Williams et al., 2018). Victims of trauma are likely to suffer from headaches. Headaches can be caused by stress, often present in individuals who have experienced trauma.

Various factors can contribute to post-concussive headaches, including psychological stressors, medication side effects, sleep disturbance, hypoxia and hypotension, medication overuse, and poor peripheral circulation (Williams et al., 2018). While many headache disorders are challenging to diagnose in the acute phase after injury due to the presence of other confounding symptoms such as nausea/vomiting or dizziness/balance problems, it is essential that they still be considered when evaluating the patient.

Impacts of Trauma

The impacts of trauma are far-reaching and can be challenging to manage. Trauma can lead to depression when the person who has experienced trauma feels they cannot escape their traumatic past (Champine et al., 2019). This can be caused by, for example, having a loved one die or living with constant abuse from a spouse or parent. High levels of stress hormones can cause changes in the brain's structure that lead to depression, but it is unclear exactly why this happens.

Some people may be more likely than others to develop depression after trauma because they were already at risk for this condition before they experienced something traumatic (Champine et al., 2019). People who have been through traumatic events often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and avoid seeking help because they do not realize that what they are experiencing is part of the healing process, leading to depression. 

Besides, trauma and related events lead to decreased self-esteem among victims and survivors. Trauma often causes people to feel like they are not good enough or broken (Champine et al., 2019). When people experience trauma, they may feel like they have no control over their lives. This makes them believe their life is out of control, making them feel less confident about their abilities. Also, people who experience trauma may experience changes in their thinking, emotions, and behaviors (Champine et al., 2019).

These changes may lead to negative thoughts about the self and the world. Traumatic events affect how people view themselves, their ability to function, and their ability to relate to others (Champine et al., 2019). Traumatic events can cause people to become isolated socially, making it harder for them to connect with others and build relationships that would otherwise help them feel good about themselves.

Additionally, traumatic events can lead to individuals being angry and aggressive. Children who have experienced trauma are more likely to be aggressive and angry than children who have not experienced trauma (Champine et al., 2019). The experience of trauma can cause an increase in aggression and anger because it causes the child to feel unsafe. When children feel unsafe, they may behave aggressively towards others to protect themselves or their loved ones from further harm. For example, if a child has been physically abused by their parent, that child may become aggressive towards other children who try to play with them out of fear that they may also abuse them.

Trauma can cause an increase in aggression and anger because it causes physiological changes in the body that make it difficult for the person experiencing them to control themselves or their emotions (Champine et al., 2019). One such change occurs when we release chemicals called hormones into our bodies after experiencing something stressful like being abused.

Moreover, the distress caused by traumatic events can lead to anxiety disorders characterized by excessive and irrational thoughts and behaviors related to the trauma. Anxiety disorders can develop at any point in life, although they typically begin during childhood or young adulthood (Champine et al., 2019).

Approximately 25% of all cases begin before age 18. A person's risk for developing an anxiety disorder is influenced by their genes, environment, and experiences throughout life. Anxiety disorders are often triggered by traumatic events such as physical or sexual assault, natural disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes, car accidents, or medical procedures like surgery or childbirth (Champine et al., 2019).

In some cases, trauma may not have happened to someone directly but rather something that an individual witnessed happening to someone else. People who have experienced trauma are more likely to be anxious because they are more likely to focus on negative things. When people think about their past experiences with trauma and focus on the negative aspects of that experience, it can make them feel afraid or worried about what might happen in the future. 

How and why marginalized and vulnerable populations can be at greater risk for trauma

Marginalized and vulnerable populations, like the unhoused and mentally ill, are at greater risk of experiencing trauma (Matheson et al., 2019). Many unhoused individuals face violence from others or those with authority, which has been shown to lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); the correlation between PTSD and homelessness has been researched and discussed in recent years and is still a topic of discussion in the mental health field. (Matheson et al., 2019).

Children may also be exposed to bullying by other students at school or online, leading them to experience depression, self-harm, or suicidal attempts. Homeless women who have experienced sexual assault may not have access to counseling or therapy because these services are often unavailable in shelters and other homeless facilities (Matheson et al., 2019).

Individuals who are marginalized or vulnerable may experience higher exposure to violence and sexual trauma than others. Individuals living in areas with high crime rates are more likely to experience violence daily (Matheson et al., 2019). These experiences can lead to long-term mental health problems such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Marginalized/vulnerable individuals also face additional barriers to seeking help after a traumatic event (Matheson et al., 2019). They may have difficulty accessing services due to a lack of money or transportation, leading to more extended recovery periods from trauma.

Also, marginalized populations often have difficulty accessing medical care due to a lack of insurance coverage or other financial reasons (Matheson et al., 2019); this can make it difficult for these individuals to get help for mental health issues like PTSD or depression. Limited resources within the community also play a key role in individuals not getting the necessary help they need.

Additionally, people of color may be at greater risk of not getting the help they require because they are more likely to experience direct and indirect discrimination, leading to helplessness and hopelessness (Matheson et al., 2019).

The fear of being judged or mistreated by others can cause individuals needing mental health services less willing to seek help when needed (Matheson et al., 2019). Racism and discrimination can also lead to depression, anger, and resentment, which can cause people to engage in risky behaviors like substance abuse or alcohol abuse as a form of self-medication.

Substance and alcohol abuse increases the likelihood that someone will experience a traumatic event like robbery or assault (Matheson et al., 2019); for example, an individual who abuses substance stealing to keep up with their addiction.

Also, “people of color are unlikely to receive as much help from therapists or other mental health professionals as white people after experiencing a traumatic event like rape or assault”- (Peterkin, 2022).

Moreover, trauma is a common experience for mentally ill individuals. Mental illness can cause significant distress, increasing social isolation, rejection, and fear of being stigmatized (Matheson et al., 2019).

As a result, mentally ill individuals may be less likely to seek help when exposed to sexual trauma. Individuals who experience psychotic episodes may be at greater risk of being victimized by others because they can be perceived as unpredictable or dangerous (Matheson et al., 2019).

Similarly, individuals who experience dissociative symptoms may be perceived as unreliable because they do not remember what happened during an episode or appear confused when it is happening. Those with mental illness may be more vulnerable to abuse or violence due to their symptoms and the stigma surrounding mental health issues (Matheson et al., 2019). 

Description of Resources for Trauma Survivors 

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)

The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) is an organization that was founded in 1986 and is dedicated to the research and treatment of trauma (Bisson et al., 2019). One of the main goals of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) is to improve and share information regarding extreme stress, trauma, and related issues; this involves gaining an awareness of the extent and repercussions of traumatic exposure, avoiding traumatic occurrences and alleviating their implications, and advocating for the discipline of post-traumatic stress disorder (Bisson et al., 2019). Researchers at the ISTSS conduct studies, provide information to professionals and the general public and develop therapeutic interventions.

National Center for PTSD

“The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” (PTSD) was established by the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1989 to fulfill a requirement from Congress (Hamblen & Barnett, 2018). Research and investigation, learning, and training in PTSD and stress-related diseases are part of the organization’s overall purpose to better the health and well-being of America’s veterans (Hamblen & Barnett, 2018). This website aims to educate people on the long-term effects of severe stress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Sidran Institute 

The Sidran Institute is dedicated to assisting individuals who have suffered various traumatic conditions and enhancing improved understanding of timely recognition and therapeutic interventions of trauma-associated experiences in children (Green et al., 2019). Additionally, it helps determine the long-term effects of trauma on adults and the best self-help options for trauma survivors. Also, the Sidran Institute aids in discovering the best ways to help trauma patients in the professional setting (Green et al., 2019). The Sidran Institute seeks to establish public policy ideas committed to improving the lives of adult and child victims of traumatic experiences.

References

Bisson, J. I., Berliner, L., Cloitre, M., Forbes, D., Jensen, T. K., Lewis, C., ... & Shapiro, F. (2019). The international society for traumatic stress studies new guidelines for the prevention and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: Methodology and development process. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 32(4), 475-483.

Champine, R. B., Lang, J. M., Nelson, A. M., Hanson, R. F., & Tebes, J. K. (2019). Systems measures of a trauma‐informed approach: A systematic review. American Journal of Community Psychology, 64(3-4), 418-437.

Creating PRESENCE. (n.d.). Creating PRESENCE. https://www.creatingpresence.net/

Green, B. L., Saunders, P. A., Power, E., Dass-Brailsford, P., Schelbert, K. B., Giller, E., ... & Mete, M. (2019). Trauma-informed medical care: A CME communication training for primary care providers. Family medicine, 47(1), 7.

Hamblen, J., & Barnett, E. (2018). PTSD in children and adolescents. National Center for PTSD, in www. ncptsd. org.

Matheson, K., Foster, M. D., Bombay, A., McQuaid, R. J., & Anisman, H. (2019). Traumatic experiences, perceived discrimination, and psychological distress among members of various socially marginalized groups. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 416.

Sansbury, B. S., Graves, K., & Scott, W. (2018). Managing traumatic stress responses among clinicians: Individual and organizational tools for self-care. Trauma, 17(2), 114-122.

Thomas, M. S., Crosby, S., & Vanderhaar, J. (2019). Trauma-informed practices in schools across two decades: An interdisciplinary review of research. Review of Research in Education, 43(1), 422-452.

Wasson, L. T., Shaffer, J. A., Edmondson, D., Bring, R., Brondolo, E., Falzon, L., ... & Kronish, I. M. (2018). Post-traumatic stress disorder and nonadherence to medications prescribed for chronic medical conditions: A meta-analysis. Journal of psychiatric research, 102, 102-109.

Williams, M. T., Printz, D., & DeLapp, R. C. (2018). Assessing racial trauma with the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale. Psychology of Violence, 8(6), 735.