The weight of trauma can linger in the background of life, shaping thoughts and dictate behaviors and responses, impacting relationships and work performance. It’s not always obvious, to ourselves and to others, but the heaviness of a situation can surface in unexpected moments-triggered by a word, a memory, a location, a smell or a glance. Often people think that the hardest part is the traumatic event itself, but the feeling of carrying something afterwards can be just as heavy and impactful. It’s important to remember that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, whether being a member of a family or an organization, and the traumatic event just doesn’t affect the person, it can impact all. It’s important to remember that the classic symptoms of PTSD, acute stress disorder, substance use, anxiety and depression are contagious like the flu.
The latest studies show that approximately 70% of Americans experience at least one traumatic event throughout their life. On the other hand, members of the first responder community may experience between 400 and 600 traumatic events during their careers, that is roughly 3.5 traumatic events every six months. It’s also important to note that between 7% and 19% of the law enforcement community experience symptoms of PTSD, compared to 3.5% of the general public.
Trauma is typically categorized into three main types: acute, chronic, and complex.
Acute trauma typically results from a single intense event, such as an accident, natural disaster or a violent situation where ones life is threatened. The effects are often immediate and intense, leading to feelings of shock, fear and helplessness, but might resolve over time (if the symptoms dissipate within 30 days of event, that is classified as Acute stress disorder, and not PTSD. PTSD occurs when symptoms persist thirty or more days after the traumatic event). If symptoms are not addressed, one can experience flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, irritability, avoidance, and nightmares, along with several co-morbidities such as the classic symptoms of anxiety, depression and substance use.
Chronic/complex trauma, otherwise, arises from prolonged exposure to stressful situations, such as ongoing abuse or living in a volatile environment, or being a member of the first responder community or military service, leading to long-term emotional and psychological harm. Similarly, complex trauma refers to repeated, multiple instances of traumatic events, often occurring over an extended period, such as in cases of childhood neglect or interpersonal violence or repeated interactions with members of society in often volatile situations. It should be noted that there is stigma associated with this type of trauma due to a person not experiencing a singular, traumatic event. Also, the person who is dealing with this type of trauma might be unaware that they are experiencing the classic symptoms of PTSD, oftentimes leading to challenges at work or with family members.
Vicarious trauma is when an individual internalizes the suffering of those close to them who have experienced a traumatic event. The psychological toll that individuals experience from being exposed to the trauma of others cannot be overlooked, particularly those in helping professions such as health care, therapists, first responders, correctional officers and members of the military. It occurs when when someone absorbs the pain, suffering or distress of others, leading to symptoms of similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This particular type of trauma can bring out feelings of helplessness, emotional numbness, or a change in worldview, which can have a significant impact on ones wellbeing.
I wasn’t able to find any studies or research articles on how many people experience or are exposed to all three of these types of traumatic events and how exposure to all three can impact individuals. But think of your profession and understand that most people experience one traumatic event in their life (acute). While some professions experience all three types of trauma on a consistent basis throughout their careers. Now think of the impacts that the symptoms could be having on you or your loved ones.
In conclusion, there is not a “one size fits all” application in the realm of trauma and experiencing a traumatic event can impact each individual completely different. Below are the symptoms one might experience after exposure to a singular or repetitive traumatic event. Also, it should be noted that a person might experience all, or some of the symptoms and timelines will vary depending on a multitude of variables.
Symptoms of exposure to traumatic events.
Poor sleep quality, nightmares.
Intrusive thoughts.
Hyper-vigilance, meaning a high level of alertness.
Increased substance use.
Emotional numbness, disengaging in once previous enjoyable events.
Re-experiencing the traumatic event. Of note, this is a normal occurrence and it’s way to process event.
Avoidance, such as conversations and locations of event.
Increased irritability or angry resulting in outbursts with little to no provocation.
Thoughts of suicide (suicidal ideation).
If you or a person you care about experiences one or more of these above listed symptoms, remember that there is confidential assistance that is available to you.