Different Types of Trauma

You’re not alone if you feel you have experienced trauma or symptoms from a traumatic event or situation. In the United States, 70% of the population reported experiencing trauma at least once. That’s 223.4 million people impacted by at least one of the several types of trauma.

While not everyone will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), some groups are more likely to develop lasting mental health symptoms or distress after enduring traumatic experiences. Examples of more vulnerable groups are military veterans who served in combat and child abuse survivors.

There are various types of trauma, and they can be categorized in several ways based on their causes and characteristics.

Up ahead, we will learn more about the types of trauma and how you can get the help you need if you’re living with unhealed emotional trauma.

What is Trauma?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes trauma as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have long-lasting emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical effects on an individual. These experiences can be life-threatening in many cases.

While this definition seems straightforward, trauma’s roots can be nuanced and complex. No two trauma experiences are the same, just like no two fingerprints are the same. Similarly, trauma treatment is just as individualized as each person it impacts.

Common Trauma Symptoms

It’s crucial to remember that survivors are the only ones who can determine if their life experiences or circumstances are traumatizing. If you feel like you have experienced any of the following examples, you deserve to be heard. Emotions that you feel as a result of your trauma are valid, as is seeking help from a support system and a mental health professional.

Trauma symptoms can show up in multiple ways. Someone with a traumatic history could experience any number of the following symptoms:

Physical reactions, such as a racing heart, excess sweating, difficulty sleeping, and digestive issues
Emotional reactions include increased nervousness, shock or numbness, or medical issues.
Other common trauma responses may include a lack of hope for the future, avoiding people or places, or having recurrent flashbacks or dreams about the trauma.
Mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, may be exacerbated by trauma.

Types of Trauma

There are three primary types of trauma when considering trauma in broad strokes. A mental health professional may use the following categories when considering treatment approaches for someone with a trauma history.

Acute trauma

Acute trauma describes a single event or incident. Examples could be a natural disaster, sexual assault, or witnessing violence.

Chronic trauma

Chronic trauma describes ongoing or prolonged exposure to damaging events. Examples are continuing domestic violence, abuse, childhood neglect, or workplace harassment.

Complex trauma

Complex trauma develops from prolonged exposure to multiple traumatic events or situations, often occurring within interpersonal relationships. It can lead to significant emotional and psychological difficulties, including complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). Some

examples could include the loss of an abuser, traumatic grief, or ongoing emotional abuse in a relationship. Symptoms may appear in ways that aren’t specific in most trauma situations.

More Specific Trauma Types

Within acute, chronic, and complex trauma categories are additional specifiers to help determine the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. You may suspect that your symptoms are a trauma response. A mental health professional can help you determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis or could benefit from ongoing trauma treatment.

The following are types of trauma and some of their potential causes:

Physical Trauma

Physical trauma can result from physical injuries, accidents, or medical procedures. It can include injuries from car accidents, falls, sports injuries, surgeries, and more. Physical trauma can lead to both physical and psychological consequences.

Emotional or Psychological Trauma

Emotional or psychological trauma can be caused by distressing events or experiences that overwhelm a person’s tolerance for discomfort. Their ability to cope with adversity may be compromised.

Examples of emotional or psychological trauma include:

Childhood abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual)
Domestic violence in a marriage or romantic relationship
Sexual assault or rape
Witnessing violence or a traumatic event
Natural disasters (tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes)
Active military duty and combat experiences

Developmental Trauma

Developmental trauma occurs during critical emotional and psychological development stages, usually in childhood. It can result from neglect, abuse, or other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and can have long-lasting effects on a person’s emotional and social development.

A few examples of developmental trauma are:

Physical or emotional abuse
Rejection or neglect
Abandonment by caregivers
Exposure to violence in the home or other settings

Vicarious Trauma

Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary trauma or compassion fatigue, occurs when individuals experience trauma symptoms due to caring for or empathizing with trauma survivors. Vicarious trauma primarily impacts healthcare workers, mental health professionals, first responders, and caregivers.

Cultural Trauma

Cultural trauma refers to the collective psychological and emotional impact experienced by a group or community due to historical or cultural events, such as genocide, colonization, or natural disasters that affect an entire population.

Some additional examples of cultural trauma may include:

Receiving racial slurs and hate speech
Police violence
Housing, employment, or education discrimination

Medical Trauma

Medical trauma is related to negative experiences within the healthcare system. It can result from medical errors, diagnoses, invasive procedures, or prolonged hospitalization, leading to anxiety and post-traumatic stress. A medical trauma survivor may avoid engaging with medical professionals despite needing health interventions.

Additional examples of medical trauma are:

Emergency medical events such as heart attacks, urgent cesarean section surgeries or birth trauma, intubation
Having health concerns dismissed by medical professionals or being told your medical symptoms are “all in your head.”

Spiritual Trauma

Spiritual trauma, also known as religious trauma, occurs when an individual experiences distress or harm related to their spiritual or religious beliefs and practices. This type of trauma can result from religious abuse or cult involvement. Spiritual trauma may also occur due to being judged or cast out of a religious organization or shamed about one’s beliefs or spiritual practices.

Getting Help for Trauma at NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois

At NuLife Behavioral Health in Illinois, we know that enduring symptoms that accompany traumatic experiences is challenging. You deserve to feel better and capable of living your life on your terms. Mental health professionals who specialize in trauma care can help guide you.

Trauma therapy will start with an intake assessment, where a therapist will get to know you better and ask questions about your mental and medical health history. You will discuss treatment goals, including how frequently to meet. The therapist is trained in diagnosing mental health disorders, which can help guide them in formulating a treatment plan and goals specific to your needs.

These are some of the therapeutic strategies and treatment programs NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois has to offer:

Personalized Counseling
Peer Group Sessions
Experiential Therapies
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Dual Diagnosis
Insurance Verification
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Trauma often fuels substance abuse and addiction. At NuLife Behavioral Health in the Chicagoland area, we understand the complex relationship between psychological disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. We offer flexible outpatient programs that treat dual diagnosis, including an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and partial hospitalization program (PHP).

KEY TAKEAWAY:

Trauma affects individuals differently, and the severity and duration of its impact can vary widely. Trauma often leads to symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. Seeking support from mental health professionals is crucial for many individuals who have experienced trauma to help them heal and cope with its effects.

There’s hope if you feel like your life is impacted by trauma. By seeking support and utilizing healthy strategies for coping, you can reduce the grip your trauma has on your ability to lead a fulfilling life.

You are not alone. At NuLife Behavioral Health in Chicagoland, a team of caring professionals can address your concerns and walk alongside you toward long-term mental wellness.

Get Started at NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois

The PHP at NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois is just one of the many levels of care that we offer. If you or your loved one is struggling with a mental health concern or a substance use disorder, our team is here to help.
Call us today at 844.383.0626 or reach out online to learn more about how we can help you begin the path to a new life.

Medically Reviewed by Riaz Rahman