What is trauma?

Trauma is a deeply personal experience resulting from events that overwhelm an individual's capacity to cope. It's not the event itself, but the individual's response to it, that defines trauma. These events can range from single, acute incidents like accidents or assaults, to ongoing or chronic experiences like abuse or neglect. Trauma impacts the nervous system, often leading to a dysregulated state characterized by hyperarousal (anxiety, hypervigilance) or hypoarousal (numbness, dissociation).

Trauma's effects can manifest in various ways, including emotional difficulties (e.g., anxiety, depression, anger), physical symptoms (e.g., sleep disturbances, chronic pain), and interpersonal challenges (e.g., difficulty forming secure attachments). It can disrupt a person's sense of safety, trust, and control, impacting their self-esteem and overall well-being.

Healing from trauma is a journey, not a destination. It's not about "getting over" what happened, but rather integrating the experience in a way that allows for a sense of safety and agency in the present. Trauma-informed therapy focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their experiences, process their emotions, and develop coping strategies. It emphasizes building resilience, fostering self-compassion, and empowering individuals to reclaim their lives. The goal is to move from surviving to thriving, finding meaning and connection even in the aftermath of trauma.

Trauma, at its core, is the body and mind's reaction to an overwhelming event. As described by Kraybill (2019), it's a shock to the system, triggering a heightened state of alert to prevent future similar experiences. This "trauma response" occurs when parts of the mind or body take over, perceiving a situation as dangerous and prioritizing immediate escape or survival.

These responses can be physical, emotional, or a combination of both. A physical response might be a veteran instinctively ducking at the sound of firecrackers, a purely reflexive action driven by the body's learned association with danger. Emotional responses can involve a surge of intense feelings, triggering the "fight, flight, freeze, or fawn" response. For example, someone who has experienced sexual trauma might use flattery or appeasement (fawning) as a way to diffuse a threatening situation and escape.

These trauma responses can be confusing for both the individual experiencing them and those around them. Often, these reactions don't make sense to others, or even to the person experiencing them. This disconnect can lead to further pain and re-traumatization. The very adaptations that ensured survival during the traumatic event can become maladaptive, causing ongoing suffering. While these responses were incredibly resourceful and effective in the moment of survival, they can now create difficulties in daily life. This can lead to a sense of bewilderment: "It saved me then, but it hurts me now – what do I do with that?"

Trauma responses are varied and can include flashbacks (physical, mental, or emotional), sadness, guilt, numbness, avoidance, nightmares, hypervigilance, loss of spiritual connection, fears (of specific people, places, or things), unpredictable emotions, strained relationships, self-blame, feelings of weakness or stupidity, and physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, backaches, and irritable bowel. This list is not exhaustive, and research suggests a correlation (though not causation) between trauma and autoimmune disorders (Allison, 2019).

What is vicarious trauma?

Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary trauma, is the emotional and physical response that occurs from witnessing the suffering, fear, and terror of others (Manning-Jones et al., 2016). While often associated with counselors and therapists who process others' trauma, it affects a much broader range of individuals. Anyone who consistently puts their own well-being on the line to help others is at risk. This includes, but is not limited to, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, doctors, nurses, social workers, advocates for survivors, and, particularly relevant in the current climate, frontline healthcare workers like respiratory technicians, orderlies, and all those alleviating patient suffering.

Vicarious trauma can manifest in several ways, including burnout, irritability, a diminished capacity for empathy (sometimes described as "empathy fatigue"), anger, and self-destructive behaviors. While the pathway to vicarious trauma may differ slightly from direct trauma exposure, those experiencing it can develop symptoms comparable to PTSD. The cumulative effect of witnessing others' pain can take a significant toll, impacting both mental and physical health.