Most people have a basic understanding of trauma but don’t realize just how specific it can be. People experience trauma differently based on everything from age to the type of traumatic event. 

That’s why understanding the different types of trauma is so important—not only for therapists and counselors, but for everyone. 

When you have a better understanding that the trauma you’ve experienced is more nuanced than you might think, you can get the kind of help you deserve. Knowing who can experience it and what it looks like will make it easier to recognize some common signs, and feel more concrete in your decision to get help. 

With that in mind, let’s talk more about who can experience the different types of trauma, and what they look like. 

Early Childhood Trauma

This area covers a wide range of possible traumatic experiences. Children can go through so many traumatic events from a very young age and not have the ability to fully process things until later. 

Some of the most common forms of childhood trauma include physical and emotional abuse. At times, sexual abuse can occur as well. 

A child who is experiencing trauma in their life might be emotionally upset, anxious, or depressed. Childhood trauma can carry over into adulthood to create untrusting and anxious individuals who haven’t fully processed what they went through. 

Emotional and Physical Trauma

Adults can experience emotional and physical trauma, too. Emotional trauma refers to anything that destroys your sense of security. That could include everything from being in an emotionally abusive relationship to witnessing something that causes you to feel helpless. Emotional trauma often leaves you with upsetting memories that won’t go away. 

Physical trauma occurs when any part of your body experiences an injury. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a life-threatening injury, but the experience itself is often what causes the symptoms. 

Getting in a car accident, for example, can cause both physical and emotional trauma if you get injured. The injuries themselves can cause psychological issues, but the emotional trauma of getting in the accident and the fear that comes afterward can often feel even worse. 

Abuse

Anyone can experience emotional, physical, and sexual abuse as forms of trauma. They most often occur in relationships. Some people tend to be more attracted to unhealthy relationships because of past trauma—either in childhood or previous adult relationships. That can cause a dangerous pattern that fuels trauma and other mental health conditions. 

Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse might seem obvious. But, to the person going through them, it’s not uncommon to go “numb” as a defense mechanism. So, they might not immediately recognize or be willing to admit what they’re going through.

While some traumatic experiences like a natural disaster or accident occur once, abuse is an experience that typically happens again and again. This makes it even harder for the person involved to break through the chains of trauma and get help. 

What to Do if You’ve Experienced Trauma

Trauma can occur almost anywhere and can happen to anyone. As far as what it looks like, symptoms can be different for everyone. Some people experience anxiety and fear while others shame themselves and feel guilty, even if nothing was their fault. 

The important thing to understand is that you’re not alone. Trauma doesn’t have to control your life forever. 

If you or someone you know has been struggling with the effects of any type of trauma, feel free to contact me to learn more about how trauma therapy could help you. Whether it stems from childhood experiences or a recent situation, it’s never too early or too late to get help. Together, we’ll talk about how the experience(s) impacted you, and work on ways to move forward so you can take your life back without fear.