TRAUMA'S DEFINITION

Trauma is a widespread issue. It occurs when an individual is exposed to an emotionally distressing or life-threatening episode or set of events that have long-term negative consequences for their functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, and/or spiritual well-being.

The following are examples of potentially traumatic experiences:

• Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are all forms of abuse.
• Neglect in childhood
• Living with a family member who suffers from mental illness or addiction
• Separation from a loved one without warning.
• Poverty
• Racism, bigotry, and oppression are all forms of oppression.

Community violence, conflict, and terrorism are all examples of terrorism.

TRAUMA'S HEALTH EFFECTS

According to the seminal ACE Study and the Philadelphia Urban ACE Study, the more stressful and possibly traumatic situations a kid is exposed to, the higher his or her risk for chronic health issues and health-risk behaviors. At any age, traumatic events can be harmful to one's health.

What is the link between trauma and high-risk behaviors in terms of health?

People who have experienced trauma may develop coping methods to assist them to cope with the mental and/or physical anguish they are experiencing. Maladaptive habits, such as poor eating, cigarette usage, or drug and alcohol use, are sometimes used as part of these techniques. Although these coping techniques may bring some comfort, they can also lead to anxiety, social isolation, and chronic illnesses.

What effect does trauma have on relationships?

Traumatic experiences influence relationships, regardless of the sort of trauma a person has gone through. This encompasses, but is not limited to, interpersonal interactions, community relationships, and delivery systems that support people's health and social needs. When a person is traumatized, he or she may feel unprotected, deceived, or abandoned. This might result in heightened emotions like rage or violence, as well as feelings of humiliation, numbness, and/or isolation. In the context of health care, this can have a detrimental influence on the relationship between a patient and their physician, and hence on the patient's willingness to participate in their treatment.

Is it possible to prevent or mitigate the consequences of trauma?

Protective elements such as supportive connections with family members, a teacher, or people in the community can help individuals protect themselves from the consequences of trauma and build resilience to help them overcome adversity and meet problems. Patients can begin healthily processing their experiences through trauma-informed methods of therapy, such as relationship healing and trauma-specific therapies.

What does it mean for adults to have experienced childhood trauma?

Adults who were traumatized as children are frequently 'wired' differently than those who were not. Their brains, which have been trained to deal with near-constant stress, may find it difficult to respond correctly to situations that look normal and non-threatening. This helps to explain why so many adult trauma survivors suffer from sadness, anxiety, and other emotional control disorders. These mental health problems can lead to long-term difficulty in sustaining good relationships, as well as troubles at school and/or at employment.

Why do some people being more affected by traumatic events than others?

Many children who have been subjected to abuse and neglect have stress indicators, such as elevated cortisol levels, long after they have been exposed. The exact mechanisms by which stress changes the structure of our brains — and even our DNA — are unknown. However, studies have indicated that 'protective factors,' like as a caring caregiver, can help to mitigate the effects of traumatic situations.