Understanding Trauma
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Excerpt: Helping Helpers - Session 3
Section: Trauma - Understanding Trauma
Speakers: Matthias Barker
Understanding Trauma: Beyond the Event
What is Trauma?
When we think of trauma, we often associate it with extreme events like war, sexual or physical violence, natural disasters, or near-death experiences. However, trauma exists on a spectrum and affects people in various ways depending on the context and individual factors.
Trauma Spectrum
Severity and Context
Trauma can range from severe incidents to more common experiences. For example, bullying can be traumatic, but its impact varies. Some people may overcome bullying with minimal long-term effects, while others might develop deep social anxiety.
Individual Differences
People respond differently to similar traumatic events. For instance, one person might walk away from a car accident relatively unscathed, while another might develop PTSD. This difference often stems from their past experiences and personal vulnerabilities.
Factors Influencing Trauma Response
Expectations and Surprise
A key component of trauma is the element of surprise. Traumatic events can shatter our perception of safety and control. If an event drastically alters your view of the world, it can have a profound psychological impact.
Past Experiences
Previous exposure to trauma can predispose individuals to greater vulnerability. Studies on 9/11 first responders showed that those with past traumatic experiences were more likely to develop PTSD. The accumulation of traumatic events over a lifetime can affect how one responds to new traumas.
Complex Trauma
Relationship-Based Trauma
Complex trauma often occurs within relationships, especially during childhood. This can include emotional neglect, lack of parental warmth, or unsafe family environments. Such experiences can shape how individuals view themselves and the world.
Attachment and Safety
Trauma in relationships, especially with primary caregivers, can disrupt attachment and create long-lasting emotional wounds. These wounds affect one's self-perception and interactions with others.
Conclusion: Emotional Wounds
Trauma is not just about the severity of an event but also the context and the individual's history and vulnerabilities. It encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences that can profoundly affect our emotional and psychological well-being. Understanding trauma requires recognizing the complex interplay of these factors and acknowledging that emotional wounds are deeply personal and varied.
The Share the Struggle Helping Helpers Course is designed for helpers & leaders both formally (pastors, small group leaders) and informally (family, friends, volunteers), giving a practical and safe framework for coming alongside someone well in the middle of their struggle(s). The Share the Struggle L.E.S.S. (Listen, Explore, Share, Support) framework equips helpers with the tools for active listening, root cause exploration, 3-story discipleship, and when to involve other forms of support. Furthermore, helping helpers walks listeners through the specific considerations and tools for helping someone through anxiety, shame, trauma, miscarriage, pornography addiction, grief, eating disorders, and suicide prevention.
Share The Struggle Courses
Share the Struggle Courses are topical expert led video courses to help you understand life’s greatest struggles and provide you with tools for navigating them. Moreover, STS courses create a space for you to connect with others struggling with similar things, experience belonging, and encounter God’s nearness in a place of wilderness in your life (pain, confusion, healing journey).
What Share The Struggle Believes
Here at Share The Struggle we believe Jesus is present with us in the middle of our pain and mess, and it is in that place that we often experience and encounter Jesus most deeply.
We understand the unique challenges faced by Christians dealing with mental health. Our mission is to bridge the gap between faith and mental health support, providing a platform where individuals can find resources, coaching support and guidance, all tailored to their spiritual life and emotional needs.
We invite you to explore our resources, share your journey, and find the support you need to overcome the struggles you face.
