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Many try to define trauma based on their personal experiences. However, trauma is experienced differently for every person. My trauma may look totally different than your trauma. My experience could have been an abusive relationship while your experience could have been a car accident. They are both traumatic experiences. I can not tell you how traumatic or mild your experience should feel. It is YOUR experience.
The Prevalence of Trauma
Though many still attribute post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to those who have served in the armed forces, PTSD can affect others. People who have been in a bad car accident often find it difficult to drive because the unpredictability of other drivers causes feelings of not being safe. They hold the steering wheel with a death grip, white knuckling it until they reach their destination. They often drive slower than the flow of traffic and try to stay as far from other vehicles as possible. Once the destination is reached, they are often exhausted, and muscles are tense. Why? Because they have experienced trauma and completing this “simple” act brings back the fear, feelings, and the trauma.
Trauma Does Not Have to be a Life Sentence
Most, if not all, have experienced trauma in our lifetime. The goal is to live despite the trauma. Your question may be, “how do I do this?”
Understand that trauma is nothing to be ashamed of.
Understand trauma, what it is and how it affects you.
The sad truth is that trauma affects someone every single day. There are times we can do nothing about experiencing trauma. Some things are just out of our control. (I know this is a scary thought.) However, we can move past trauma in a healthy manner. Seeking a professional to help you navigate through the trauma would be beneficial.
Find a Therapist who Understands Trauma
When you understand trauma and how it affects you, you can recognize when you are operating from a place of trauma. If you put your arm every time someone makes a sudden move, you probably experienced physical abuse. Though you are in a safe place, your body’s muscle memory lifts the hand to protect you. Trauma can cause you to hyperventilate when you get behind the wheel of a car, or your muscles tense when a door closes. These are the effects of trauma.
There are several causes of trauma. There are also several professionals who can help you process trauma and live through trauma. Don’t let trauma stop you from meeting your goals of living a healthy and whole life. Ignoring trauma does not make one strong. Taking a step of strength is getting the help needed.
At Mind Works Counseling services in Lubbock, TX, we specialize in trauma counseling and have trauma informed clinicians who are eager to help you on your journey to healing.
Learn more about the Trauma Counseling services we offer.
Contact us to make an appointment or to let us answer any questions you may have.