Imagine surviving an accident or going through a series of gang related beatings. Think of the kind of mark that would leave in your life. It becomes a mark so dark that you recoil and are afraid at the thought of going through the same ideal ever again, you even shiver at having to pass by a certain path along which you were mugged and left for dead. Ever been in such a situation? Trust me, that would be traumatising! Trauma is a complex and deeply impactful experience and can have significantly far reaching psychological consequences.
Acute and Chronic Trauma
Trauma occurs in two different instances, acute and chronic. Acute trauma results from a single distressing event or a series of events that occur within a short period, leaving one overwhelmed and profoundly affected. Think of natural disasters like a lightening strike or a flood. Also physical assaults, accidents like car or plane crashes, or fire accidents, or witnessing a violent incident.
Back in campus, I remember two friends, Jack and Moses (not their real names) taking a boda boda (motorbike) from the bus stop on one side of the road to the college, which was located on the opposite side of the highway. Just as they crossed the highway, the motorbike swerved dangerously towards an on-coming lorry. Moses, who was at the back seat of the boda boda was quick to jump off the moving bike, just not in time to evade the lorry.
The lorry hit him and shoved him right into its belly. Moses' feet were caught somewhere under the belly of the lorry and he was dragged on the tarmac for a while before the lorry came to a hault. He sustained serious injuries and needed immediate medical assistance. Jack, who witnessed it all bounced into action and in the adrenaline rush to save his friend, made all the necessary arrangements and rode with him to the hospital. Just after Moses was booked into the casualties ward, Jack fell on the ground and lost consciousness. He had just witnessed a life threatening situation! That was traumatic for him.
The effects of acute trauma can be immediate, as in the case of Jack. Some others will often experience symptoms like intrusive memories, flashbacks, anxiety, and hyper vigilance, among others.
Chronic trauma, on the other hand, is characterized by repeated and prolonged exposure to distressing events or circumstances. It's the kind of trauma that commonly occurs in situations like ongoing domestic abuse, childhood neglect or abuse, or extended exposure to combat situations. People who have endured chronic trauma may develop complex trauma symptoms such as dissociation, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, and a distorted sense of self.
Psychological Effects of Acute Trauma
Acute trauma can have a profound impact on a person's psychological well-being. Immediately following the traumatic event, a person may experience a range of emotional responses, including shock, disbelief, anger, guilt, and fear. It's normal for the human body respond in such a manner when subjected to so much stress.
However, acute trauma seems to affect a person persistently, they may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is seen through symptoms such as intrusive thoughts or nightmares about the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders, emotional numbness, hyper-arousal, and difficulties with concentration or sleep. Timely intervention and support are crucial in preventing the escalation of acute trauma into a chronic condition.
Psychological Effects of Chronic Trauma
Chronic trauma often leads to more complex psychological consequences due to the prolonged exposure to distressing events. Those who have experienced chronic trauma may develop a range of tell tales that extend beyond the criteria for PTSD, commonly known as complex trauma or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD).
Complex trauma can have a profound impact on a person's self-perception, affecting their sense of safety, trust in others, and ability to form healthy relationships. It can also lead to difficulties in emotional regulation, resulting in extreme mood swings, impulsivity, or self-destructive behaviours. Additionally, survivors of chronic trauma may experience a persistent sense of shame, guilt, or a loss of meaning in life.
Interventions for Acute and Chronic Trauma
When it comes to addressing trauma, early intervention and appropriate treatment approaches are crucial for facilitating healing and recovery. For acute trauma, evidence-based therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-focused therapy are effective in helping individuals process and integrate their traumatic experiences.
Chronic trauma, with its complex and deep-seated effects, often requires a more comprehensive and specialized approach. Therapeutic modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing may be employed to address the multifaceted consequences of chronic trauma. These approaches aim to help persons develop skills for emotion regulation, enhance self-compassion, and rebuild a sense of safety and trust.
Recognizing the unique psychological effects of each type of trauma enables psychologists to tailor appropriate interventions and therapies, supporting individuals on their journey toward healing, resilience, and recovery. By providing empathetic care and evidence-based treatments, survivors can be empowered to reclaim their lives and cultivate a sense of hope for the future.
Are you a trauma survivor? Do you have a story that highlights trauma and how you or someone you know survived trauma? Share your story with us! Click on this link to share your story.
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