Understanding Trauma

According to the APA (American Psychological Association)  Definition:

Trauma can be identified as the emotional and psychological response to a major event. The impact and significance of these events make them traumatic for a person. Traumatic events can be caused by a single occasion or prolonged exposure. A person is more likely to have longer-lasting emotional and psychological trauma if: 

• The person was unprepared for the event
• The event happened out of the blue
• The person felt powerless to prevent the event
• The event occurred repeatedly (such as child abuse)
• If the event involved extreme cruelty
• If the event occurred during the childhood years

Generally speaking, traumatic events involve a major threat to one’s psychological and physical well-being. They may be life-threatening; to one’s own life or the life of a loved one. These events may have very little impact on one person but can lead to significant distress in another. The impact of a traumatic event may be related to the mental and physical health of the person, past traumatic experiences, the presence of coping skills, and the level of social and emotional support at the time of the event. Examples of events and situations that can lead to the development of psychological trauma may include:

• Natural disasters such as fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes
• Interpersonal violence like rape, child abuse, or the suicide of a loved one or friend
• Involvement in a serious car accident or workplace accident
• Acts of violence such as armed robbery, war, or terrorism

Here is a list of overlooked causes of potential emotional and psychological trauma which people do not consider:

• Breakup or divorce in a significant relationship
• Significantly humiliating experienced
• Surgery
• Falls or injuries due to sports
• The sudden, unexpected death of a loved one
• Diagnosis of a life-threatening or disabling condition

It’s important to note that other, less severe but ultimately stress-inducing situations can also trigger traumatic reactions in some men and women.

Understanding Trauma from a Holistic Approach:

When looking at trauma from a holistic approach, it is defined not as an event but as a disruption and overwhelm to our body-minds capacity to adapt, thrive, and flourish in society. 

Looking at Trauma from this perspective means it can occur when:

• There is too much too soon
• There is too much for too long
• There is not enough for too long
• The power and agency have been taken away from the person or collective
• The stressors outweigh the resources available to navigate them
• When our primal protective instincts, intuitions, and responses are thwarted
• When there is not enough time, space, or permission to heal

To effectively address trauma it is essential that we consider social, developmental, and cultural factors when reflecting on a person's trauma history. By not acknowledging these contextual factors we do the individuals a disservice. 

When recognizing trauma it is important to know that symptoms may occur immediately or emerge over time from the compounding stress and challenges of processing and adapting to the experiences of life. Trauma symptoms can emerge as symptoms in the body and the mind in an attempt to cope with and resolve the stressors. 

The effects of trauma may include: 

• Physical Symptoms: such as headaches, dizziness, tightness in the body, muscle tension, problems with digestion, and breathing constrictions. 
• Emotional Symptoms:  such as flatness/ inability to feel, fear, anxiety, panic, overwhelm, loss of choice, difficulty feeling comforted, anger, and shame.
• Psychological Symptoms: such as dissociation, mental rumination, low self-worth, negative self-talk, self-blame, brain fog, a problem with memory/ retention, depression, and loss of interest in activities, or things that made you happy. 
• Relational/ Social Symptoms: such as Isolation, loneliness, inability to become attached, or becoming overly attached, unhealthy relationship patterns or connections.

Trauma can often lead to feelings of powerlessness, helplessness, and being ungrounded/ uncentered in our lives. It interferes with our ability to feel real in our bodies and minds, it disrupts our very existence and takes away from the ability to be present in the moment. 

Recognizing how trauma is representing itself in our lives, provides us a key to being able to address the root cause and work toward healing. 

It is important to recognize that the experience of trauma is not only stored in our memories but can imprint itself into our bodies. Trauma can be stored and coded all the way down to a cellular level, which can often alter our genetic makeup. 

Which is why the process of Somatic Healing is so important. It allows us to not only work on reprogramming our minds to heal from the disruptions in our lives from life adversities but also help reprogram our bodies from any events which might have triggered negative responses. 

The Impact of Trauma on People of Color:

Examining trauma within the context of race and ethnicity is of paramount importance as it acknowledges the distinct and often complex experiences of individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Trauma is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and its impact can be influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, historical contexts, and systemic inequalities.  

Racial trauma refers to the enduring psychological and emotional impact of historical atrocities and systemic discrimination experienced by certain racial and ethnic groups. For instance, the trauma experienced by African Americans due to slavery, segregation, and ongoing racial injustice has lasting effects on individuals and communities. Examining trauma in this context allows us to recognize the historical injustices that continue to reverberate through generations. 

Systemic racism can lead to chronic stress and exposure to racial discrimination, which significantly affects mental health. Individuals of color may experience racial microaggressions, stereotypes, and discrimination, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological distress. 

People of color often face barriers to accessing mental health services, including cultural misunderstandings, lack of culturally competent providers, and stigma. The intersection of race and ethnicity with other identities, such as gender and sexual orientation, further exacerbates these disparities.

Racial trauma can manifest in various ways in people of color due to the enduring impact of historical and contemporary racial discrimination. It is essential to recognize that racial trauma is not a monolithic experience and can affect individuals differently based on their unique backgrounds and identities. 

How Does Racial Trauma Manifest In People of Color:

•  Emotional Distress: Racial trauma can lead to heightened emotional distress, including feelings of anger, sadness, fear, anxiety, and hopelessness. Experiencing racial discrimination and microaggressions can evoke a range of intense emotions, impacting an individual's mental well-being. 
•  Hypervigilance and Hyperarousal: People of color may develop hypervigilance, always on guard for potential racial threats or discriminatory actions. This heightened state of alertness can lead to chronic stress and exhaustion. 
•  Physical Symptoms: Racial trauma may manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or sleep disturbances. The psychological toll of racial discrimination can impact physical health. 
•  Avoidance Behavior: Individuals may avoid places, situations, or activities that remind them of racial trauma or where they feel unsafe or unwelcome. This avoidance can limit opportunities for personal growth and community engagement. 
•  Negative Self-Perception: Experiencing racial discrimination can lead to internalized racism, where individuals may internalize negative stereotypes about their own racial or ethnic group, leading to a diminished sense of self-worth and identity. 
•  Impaired Interpersonal Relationships: Racial trauma can strain interpersonal relationships, leading to difficulties in trusting others, forming close connections, or feeling understood by others. 
•  Reduced Academic and Occupational Achievement: Racial trauma can impact academic and occupational performance due to increased stress and limited access to opportunities. 
•  Depression and Anxiety: Racial trauma can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety disorders. Individuals may struggle with feelings of helplessness and isolation. 
•  Cultural Disconnect: People of color may experience a disconnect from their cultural heritage as a result of racial trauma. They may grapple with questions of belonging and identity. 
•  Coping Through Substance Use: Some individuals may turn to substances as a coping mechanism to numb the emotional pain caused by racial trauma. 
•  Intergenerational Impact: Racial trauma can have intergenerational effects, affecting subsequent generations through the transmission of trauma and its consequences. 

Addressing racial trauma requires a comprehensive approach that involves creating safe spaces for open dialogue, promoting cultural competence in mental health care, advocating for social justice, and working towards dismantling systemic racism and discrimination. Culturally sensitive and trauma-informed support systems and interventions are essential to help individuals of color heal and build resilience in the face of racial trauma. 

According to the AAETS (American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress)  Definition:

Traumatic stress refers to the emotional, cognitive, behavioral, physiological, and spiritual experience of individuals who are exposed to or who witness, events that overwhelm their coping and problem-solving abilities. These events, sometimes referred to as "critical incidents", are typically unexpected and uncontrollable. They compromise our sense of safety, and security, and leave us feeling insecure and vulnerable. 

The Impact of Traumatic Stress:

Traumatic stress disables people, causes disease, precipitates mental disorders, leads to substance abuse, and destroys relationships and families. 

Traumatic Stress is Not PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Traumatic Stress is the immediate normal response to an abnormal event. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder applied to those individuals who continue to experience a host of disturbing symptoms after exposure to an extreme traumatic stressor. 

Who experiences traumatic stress?

Traumatic stress has many "faces", and is experienced every day during and in the aftermath of our personal tragedies (e.g., facing a serious illness, dealing with the loss of a loved one, experiencing an automobile accident, etc.).

Traumatic stress is experienced by survivors of disasters and catastrophes (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes, airplane crashes, terrorist attacks, train derailments, and floods). 

Generally, as the severity of a traumatic event increases, so does the level of traumatic stress experienced by the individuals. 

It is important to remember that, a traumatic stress response and PTSD can happen not only to the victims of an event but also to the witnesses surrounding the event. Individuals who may not have been directly involved in a critical incident may still be imprinted with emotional, physical, and mental scars caused by seeing the event occur. This is referred to by AAETS, as the "Imprint of Horrors".

Birth trauma is any physical or emotional distress you may experience during or after childbirth. During the birth, you may feel afraid, helpless or unsupported by those around you. After the birth, you may be left feeling guilty or numb due to events beyond your control. You could even suffer from panic attacks. 

Discussing traumatic experiences at birth, especially concerning maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates, is crucial for raising awareness about the disparities and inequities present in prenatal, perinatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care, particularly within BIPOC communities. 

Maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates in the United States are alarmingly high, and the disparities are glaring. Black women and infants, in particular, experience disproportionately higher rates of death and complications compared to their white counterparts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Additionally, black infants are more than twice as likely to die within their first year of life compared to white infants.

These disparities can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including systemic racism, inadequate access to quality healthcare, socioeconomic disparities, implicit bias within the healthcare system, and the historical trauma experienced by communities of color. BIPOC individuals, especially black women, often face dismissive attitudes and neglect of their concerns during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to preventable complications and deaths.

Medical negligence and malpractice further exacerbate the issue, with numerous cases of mistreatment, misdiagnosis, and inadequate care reported in communities of color. Studies have shown that black women are less likely to receive timely and appropriate prenatal care, leading to higher rates of pregnancy complications and adverse outcomes.

Systemic racism deeply impacts the quality of care that people of color receive in hospitals and healthcare settings. Implicit biases held by healthcare providers can result in substandard treatment and contribute to the mistrust that many BIPOC individuals have towards the medical system. This lack of trust is often rooted in historical injustices such as the Tuskegee syphilis study and other instances of medical exploitation of black communities.

The trauma experienced by communities of color due to these factors is profound and long-lasting. It perpetuates a cycle of distrust and disenfranchisement within the healthcare system, further perpetuating the disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

To address these disparities, systemic changes are imperative. This includes implementing culturally competent care practices, addressing implicit bias within healthcare institutions, increasing access to comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care, investing in community-based doula programs, advocating for policy changes to improve maternal health outcomes, and dismantling the structural racism embedded within the healthcare system.

By acknowledging and actively working to rectify these inequities, we can strive towards a future where all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity, receive the quality care and support they deserve during pregnancy and childbirth.

 Sexual abuse is a serious issue that affects individuals of all ages and genders. Unfortunately, sexual abuse happens more frequently than anyone wishes to think. Here are some relevant sexual abuse statistics collected by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center: 

• One in five women in the United States experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime.
• Nearly a quarter (24.8%) of men in the U.S. experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime.
• Nationwide, 81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime.
• One in three female victims of completed or attempted rape experienced it for the first time between the ages of 11 and 17.
• About one in four male victims of completed or attempted rape first experienced it between the ages of 11 and 17.
• It is estimated that 734,630 people were raped (including threatened, attempted, or completed rape) in the U.S. in 2018.
• Almost one in four undergraduate women experienced sexual assault or misconduct at 33 of the nation’s major universities.
• The median age for reported child abuse is 9 years old.
• 85% of child abuse victims never report their abuse.
• Evidence that a child has been sexually abused is not always obvious, and many children do not report that they have been abused.

Understanding the Terminology:

Sexual violence is defined as a sexual act that is committed or attempted by another person without freely given consent of the victim or against someone who is unable to consent or refuse. It includes forced or alcohol/drug-facilitated penetration of a victim; forced or alcohol/drug-facilitated incidents in which the victim was made to penetrate a perpetrator or someone else; non-physically pressured unwanted penetration; intentional sexual touching; or non-contact acts of a sexual nature. Sexual violence can also occur when a perpetrator forces or coerces a victim to engage in sexual acts with a third party. Sexual violence involves a lack of freely given consent as well as situations in which the victim is unable to consent or refuse. 

Sexual abuse takes place when a person knowingly causes another person to engage in a sex act by threatening or placing the other person in fear, or if someone participates in a sexual act with a person who is incapable of appraising the nature of the act or unable to give consent. 

Sexual abuse  -- any sexual activity -- visual, verbal, or physical -- engaged in without consent. 

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. 

The effects of child sexual abuse can be long-lasting and affect the victim's mental health. Victims are more likely than non-victims to experience the following mental health challenges :

• About 4 times more likely to develop symptoms of drug abuse
• About 4 times more likely to experience PTSD as adults
• About 3 times more likely to experience a major depressive episode as adults

Children who do not live with both parents as well as children living in homes marked by parental discord, divorce, or domestic violence, have a higher risk of being sexually abused. 

Children who had an experience of rape or attempted rape in their adolescent years were 13.7 times more likely to experience rape or attempted rape in their first year of college. 

Sexually abused children who keep it a secret or who "tell" and are not believed are at greater risk than the general population for psychological, emotional, social, and physical problems often lasting into adulthood.

The Truth About Perpetrators of Sexual Abuse:

• 93 % of perpetrators are known to the victim. 
• 59 % are acquaintances or family friends of the victim.
• 34% are family members of the victim.
• 7% are strangers to the victims.
• 88% of perpetrators of sexual abuse are male.

The Impact of Sexual Trauma

Some survivors experience severe and chronic psychological symptoms, whereas others experience little or no distress. The term sexual trauma is used based on clinical observation that some survivors do not label their experiences as rape or assault due to the familiarity with the perpetrator or the absence of force. 

Childhood sexual trauma may manifest as symptoms posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, suicide, alcohol problems, and eating disorders. 

Symptoms of Sexual Trauma

A person’s response to sexual trauma can be varied and personal. On one hand, there may be little to no response to the violence that has taken place. Here, the body may simply choose to move on from the damage.  Other times and—very commonly so—obvious signs point to strong responses to violence. An estimated 50% of North American women show symptoms of sexual trauma. 

Physical Symptoms: 

Hyperarousal—also called hyperactivity—is a common response to trauma in sexual abuse and  sexual violence survivors. Hyperactivity means that your body is in a constant fear response, even without any triggers. During hyperactive states, a survivor may experience:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches
• Concentration challenges
• Chest pain
• Stomach difficulties

Psychological Signs:

The effects of sexual trauma may also intrude on mental function. Psychological symptoms of sexual trauma include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Random emotional outbursts 
• Self-harm
• Substance abuse

Emotional Effects: 

Emotional reactions are a deep-seated acknowledgment of trauma. Psychological response to sexual violence is seen in: 

• Emotional numbing to avoid feeling any specific pains
• Avoiding all persons, places, and things that might trigger a memory of the event
• Intrusive thoughts that playback traumatizing scenes

Physical Effects: 

A survivor of sexual trauma and violence may notice bodily changes following the event. These changes may not always be ascribed to the trauma endured but could be a direct result of its effects.

Challenges in the lower abdomen, chronic pain, and sleep difficulties are common consequences. Likewise,  chronic fatigue, diabetes, and heart diseases, are all linked to the damage of sexual trauma and violence.

Behavioral Outcomes: 

Sexual Trauma can also impact survivors in their social interactions with others. Survivors may begin to avoid physical contact with others and may avoid sex altogether. This pain can also prevent the chances of placing trust in people. 

Living with the trauma of sexual abuse and violence can be very hard to bear. Its impact can cut through every aspect of life, with physical, emotional, mental, and social scars left behind.  The trauma of this experience can be difficult to overcome. With the right support systems, expert therapy, and tools—survivors can move past and thrive in spite of previous challenges.