Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Our Lives
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Chapter 1: The Nature of Trauma
Trauma is often perceived solely as a psychological concern. When you search for "Define Trauma," you'll encounter descriptions that highlight its nature: trauma refers to the distressing, frightening, or overwhelming events that are tough to handle or beyond our control. These can be isolated incidents or prolonged experiences. It’s inevitable that many of us will face something in our lives that qualifies as traumatic.
Other definitions explain that trauma manifests as an emotional reaction to horrific events such as accidents, crime, or natural disasters, with common responses including shock and denial. The clinical definition clarifies that psychological trauma arises from an event perceived as highly stressful. Instances might involve war zones, natural catastrophes, or serious accidents, leading to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.
In this discussion, I want to focus on the physical manifestations that many of us endure. It's important to note that trauma isn't limited to extreme situations like warfare or disasters; it can also stem from abandonment, misunderstanding, abuse, neglect, isolation, fear, and pain, among other factors.
Gratification in the Shadow of Trauma
Have you ever heard someone say you were an "easy child" or remark on how mature you seem for your age? These are not compliments.
In a recent post by a holistic psychologist, she pointed out that with over 75% of autoimmune diseases affecting women, we must consider the impact of a lifetime spent suppressing emotions and seeking to please others. Personally, having recently uncovered some of my mother's painful experiences and her struggle with myasthenia gravis—a disease where the body attacks itself—I can't help but feel I might be next.
When I share my experiences, the responses I receive often differ drastically from what I expect. For instance, as a child, I was frequently told I was "mature for my age." Indeed, I began working at 16, not for luxury, but out of necessity to survive. My teenage years were spent in survival mode rather than socializing with friends. I lived independently by 18 while still pursuing my education.
People often express that I should be grateful for my past, believing it has shaped who I am today. However, many are unaware of the trauma I carry, and honestly, I am still uncovering layers of it myself. Sure, I strive to see my past experiences as shaping my current self, and I do appreciate who I’ve become.
It's All Good Until It Isn't
My experience shifts when I encounter someone exhibiting anger. The physical pain I feel in my chest during these moments is unique and intense, centered around the area near the manubrium (the bone connecting the clavicle to the chest). I can sense when someone is angry, and I also feel discomfort when someone makes me uneasy.
In the book "The Body Keeps the Score," the intricate relationship between the mind and body is addressed, often overlooked in conventional medicine. We frequently treat symptoms with medications, operating under the false belief that the mind is separate from the body.
How do I know this? I had asthma as a child, but it vanished and only resurfaces in toxic environments. I feel drained and incapable of functioning when I’m unhappy or in unhelpful situations. I also experienced irritable bowel syndrome, which disappeared as I started my healing journey. I feel acute chest pain when I encounter anger, and fear often accompanies it (PTSD). Similarly, I feel abdominal pain when I perceive threats, and I once suffered from insomnia due to ongoing fears for my safety.
I have effectively managed asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, and severe insomnia without medication. Isn't that interesting?
Instead of encouraging individuals to "just deal with it" or "toughen up," we create environments where people are compelled to repress their feelings, forcing their bodies to cope. I have grown to recognize my body’s signals, such as cravings for specific foods indicating I'm overextending myself.
The Body Keeps the Score
Even if you aren't aware of physical symptoms tied to your trauma, suffering may still manifest in various forms. Hyper-independent adults often stem from childhood neglect and disappointment. Those who remain silent were likely told to "stay quiet." Individuals who prefer solitude might have been left alone as children, finding safety in isolation. People with low self-esteem often grew up being told they were worthless, while those grappling with severe physical pain or autoimmune diseases may have faced neglect or abuse.
Is this the reality we desire?
The fields of mental health and the mind-body connection are still nascent. We continue to inhabit echo chambers of outdated beliefs like "men shouldn't cry" or "therapy is for the weak." I genuinely believe these harmful narratives are contributing to issues that are evident today.
We must cease glorifying trauma by telling individuals, "well, you survived." This mindset could lead us to a dysfunctional society, burdened by the normalization of suffering and trauma.
Do you recognize the repercussions of this mindset? I observe an abundance of lonely individuals amid rising mental health issues. Is this the path we want to take, or should we strive for change?
Thanks for reading! Below are additional articles on mental health and societal issues that may interest you:
- How "being happy" transformed me into a productivity machine
- A man or a bear discussion — AGAIN, "Started Over" 6 Times In The Last 10 Years — Here's What I Learned.
Chapter 2: The Broader Impact of Childhood Trauma
Childhood trauma affects millions of Americans, leading to severe consequences in adult life. Understanding these impacts is crucial for healing and societal improvement.
Chapter 3: Understanding Complex Trauma
The gratification of trauma is often overlooked in our culture. This video discusses the characteristics of complex trauma and the dangers of instant gratification in coping.