What is trauma and how does it affect our wellbeing?

What is trauma and how does it affect our thinking and behaviour?

Emotional trauma is defined as a psychological condition resulting from distressing events. According to mental health charity MIND, this might mean

• situations or events we find traumatic

• how we're affected by our experiences.

Trauma can be triggered at any age, and can be caused by experiences such as abuse, neglect, accidents, loss, natural disasters, violence or any situation that leaves a deep emotional scar. In this blog post, we will aim to shed light on what trauma is and how it influences our cognitive processes and behaviors.

Defining Trauma

Trauma can be defined as an overwhelming and distressing event that exceeds an individual's ability to cope and process effectively. It disrupts the normal functioning of the mind, often leading to long-term psychological and emotional consequences. Traumatic experiences can vary in intensity and duration, and their effects may manifest differently in each person.

Emotional trauma refers to the psychological response to an event or series of events that deeply impact an individual's emotional wellbeing. It is characterised by feelings of intense fear, helplessness, and a loss of control. Emotional trauma can manifest in various ways, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, or other psychological conditions.

The impact of emotional trauma on thinking

Emotional trauma has a significant impact on an individual's thinking processes. Research has shown that traumatic experiences can alter the structure and function of key brain regions involved in emotion regulation, memory processing, and cognitive functioning. It can distort one's perception of reality, leading to negative thinking patterns.

The traumatic event can become deeply ingrained in their thoughts, intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares can disrupt their ability to focus on daily tasks, affecting their overall cognitive functioning. Trauma can also impair memory and concentration. Individuals may struggle to recall specific details or have difficulty focusing, this cognitive impairment can affect their ability to learn, make decisions, and solve problems effectively.

In addition, emotional trauma can lead to cognitive distortions, such as black-and-white thinking, catastrophising, or overgeneralising. For instance, someone who has experienced a traumatic event may develop a heightened sense of danger, leading to constant feelings of threat even in non-threatening situations. These distortions can skew their perception of future events, making it difficult for the individuals to trust themselves or others, or the world around them. Their thoughts may be filled with self-blame, guilt, or a constant sense of impending doom.

The impact of emotional trauma on behaviour

Emotional trauma also has a profound impact on an individual's behavior. Trauma survivors may exhibit coping mechanisms or behavioral responses to trauma include avoidance, hyperarousal, and self-destructive behaviors.

•   Avoidance

Avoidance is a common coping mechanism where individuals try to avoid reminders or triggers associated with the traumatic event. This can lead to social isolation, withdrawal from activities, and a reluctance to discuss or confront the trauma.

•   Hyperarousal

Hyperarousal is where individuals are constantly on high alert, anticipating danger. This heightened state of arousal can result in irritability, difficulty sleeping, or an exaggerated startle response.

•   Self-destructive behaviors

Individuals may engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or reckless actions, as a way to numb their emotional pain or regain a sense of control.

Trauma and the nervous system

It is important to understand the role of the nervous system in the context of trauma, as it plays a crucial role in both the response to and recovery from traumatic events.

The nervous system, which comprises the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, is responsible for transmitting and processing information throughout the body. It is divided into two main components: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

The polyvagal theory offers an understanding of how trauma affects the nervous system. This theory refers to three nervous system states—ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal—and their activation in a particular order. The ventral vagal helps us feel safe, stay emotionally present, communicate, and connect with others.

The sympathetic nervous system expresses the energy of flight or fight that mobilises us to survive in dangerous environments. This response is a natural survival mechanism that prepares the body to either confront the threat or flee from it. During this process, the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which increase heart rate, elevate blood pressure, and sharpen focus.

And if we cannot fight or take flight, the dorsal vagal system moves us to shut down, collapse, or go numb in order to protect us.

According to Psychology Today, the polyvagal theory explains why ‘some victims do not run away or resist in the presence of abuse or violence. Their nervous systems switch to the dorsal vagal response of numbing or immobilization for survival instead of the sympathetic response of fight or flight. For the trauma survivor, the nervous system has become fixed in the sympathetic or dorsal states without returning to the ventral state.’

In the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event, individuals may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms. These can include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, and a heightened state of alertness. These physiological responses are an adaptive mechanism designed to protect the individual in the face of danger.

However, if trauma is not processed and resolved, it can have long-lasting effects on the nervous system.

Recovery and healing from emotional trauma

While emotional trauma can have a profound impact on an individual's thinking and behavior, it is important to stress that recovery and healing are possible. If you are struggling, then seeking professional help by way of therapy or the healing practices I offer, such as regression and breathwork can provide you with the necessary tools to process and work through your trauma.

Emotional trauma is a complex psychological condition that profoundly affects an individual. The distorted thinking patterns and behavioral changes can be overwhelming, making it challenging for those affected to lead fulfilling lives. However, with the right support and treatment, individuals can embark on a journey of recovery and healing, reclaiming control over their lives and rebuilding their well-being. It is essential to prioritise mental health and professional help can facilitate the healing process.

Here at Karma Balancing we can help you heal from your emotional trauma, for more information or to book a session, contact Jacinta Hoogenboom on jacintahoogenboom@gmail.com or 07776 696 736.