Understanding the Different Types of Trauma

Even if you've experienced a distressing or catastrophic event, you might hesitate to call it trauma. You might think that "trauma" must mean something much more serious than what you've endured. In fact, the word trauma can accurately describe many different experiences.

At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, we help patients throughout Gwinnett County and the greater Atlanta area understand and heal from traumatic experiences. Here's what you need to know about the different types of trauma.

What Is Trauma?

Like physical trauma (such as a broken bone), emotional trauma happens in the aftermath of a terrible, potentially life-altering event or series of events. However, two people can have the same distressing experience without both suffering lasting trauma. That's because trauma is less about the event itself and more about your reaction to it.

Trauma forces your brain into survival mode—often identified by fight, flight, freeze, or fawn reactions—which can save your life in the moment. But if your brain doesn't switch back to normal functioning, those same impulses can seriously impair your ability to fully live your life, getting in the way of work, enjoyment, and especially your relationships with other people.

Common Symptoms of Trauma

• Avoiding your own problems or conflict with others
• Blaming yourself or others for unwelcome events
• Eating much less or more than you normally do
• Experiencing your life as if it were a movie or a dream (dissociation)
• Feeling afraid, anxious, or panicked for no apparent reason
• Feeling depressed, emotionally numb, or nothing at all
• Getting irritated or angry more easily, or becoming aggressive
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Sleep problems or nightmares
• Startling easily or feeling jumpy
• Struggling to remember things or pay attention

The Three Main Types of Trauma

Acute Trauma

Acute trauma happens during and shortly after a single distressing or life-threatening event. Examples include being the victim of a crime, witnessing violence, a serious accident, or a natural disaster. The traumatic response typically develops in the immediate aftermath of the event.

Chronic Trauma

Chronic trauma happens during and after a prolonged distressing situation that includes multiple incidents. Examples include ongoing domestic violence, long-term childhood abuse or neglect, prolonged bullying, or living in a war zone. The repeated exposure to traumatic events can have cumulative effects on mental health.

Complex Trauma

Complex trauma happens during and after a variety of distressing events, usually involving two or more types of trauma. Complex trauma often occurs in childhood and can have negative effects that last a lifetime if left untreated. It frequently involves interpersonal trauma—harm caused by people who were supposed to be caregivers or protectors.

Other Forms of Trauma

As our understanding of trauma continues to grow, experts have proposed additional categories:

• Historical or intergenerational trauma: Trauma passed down through generations, often affecting communities that have experienced systematic oppression
• Vicarious trauma: Trauma that develops from repeated exposure to others' traumatic experiences (common in healthcare workers and first responders)
• Medical trauma: Trauma resulting from serious illness, painful medical procedures, or frightening medical experiences

When Trauma Leads to PTSD

A prolonged response to trauma can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a diagnosable mental health condition that occurs when trauma symptoms persist for more than a month and significantly interfere with daily functioning. Treatment for PTSD typically includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

How We Treat Trauma at Next Step Psychiatry

If any of this sounds like you, know that recovering from trauma isn't easy, but there are effective treatments available:

• Psychiatric evaluation: A comprehensive assessment to understand your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan
• Medication management: When appropriate, medications can help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances related to trauma
• Trauma-informed care: Our approach recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates this understanding into every aspect of treatment

It's important to keep in mind that real life doesn't always divide itself neatly into categories. Even if what you've experienced doesn't sound exactly like anything we've described, it could still be trauma if it's had a lasting impact on the way you think, feel, and live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can trauma affect you physically?

Yes. Physical trauma can be linked with emotional trauma, and emotional trauma can cause physical symptoms including headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and digestive issues. The mind-body connection means that healing emotional trauma often improves physical symptoms as well.

How long does it take to recover from trauma?

Recovery time varies significantly from person to person. With proper treatment, many people see improvement within weeks to months, though healing from complex trauma may take longer. The key is getting appropriate professional support.

Do I need to see a psychiatrist for trauma?

A psychiatrist can help make sense of what you're going through, provide an accurate diagnosis, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may include medication, therapy referrals, or both. If trauma symptoms are interfering with your daily life, seeing a psychiatrist is a good first step.