Why Identifying Trauma Can Be A Challenge
On the surface, many people believe they know what trauma looks like. That includes the responses, ‘symptoms,’ and long-term effects.
But, traumas aren’t so cut and dry. They affect people differently. Some who experienced a traumatic event may react right away. Others might be subjected to trauma for a long time and show no signs for years.
That’s why it can often be challenging to identify traumas in order to help individuals who are struggling.
Because trauma isn’t often readily understood, many misconceptions about it start to form. That includes falsehoods from the people who are struggling.
So, why is it so challenging to identify traumas? The more you understand about those challenges, the easier it can be to determine if you or someone you know may be dealing with the underlying effects.
Trauma is More Than a Bad Experience
Far too often, loved ones or even the person dealing with trauma feel as though they need to just “get over it”. Everyone goes through bad experiences, right?
Unfortunately, traumas are more than just bad experiences. Many times, trauma is something that lasts for years. That’s especially true in the case of childhood trauma, or abuse in relationships. It’s not just one bad situation. It’s a lasting, ongoing narrative that can create major problems for years to come.
It can be challenging to identify traumas if someone has the mindset that it was just a “bad experience”. That belittles the person who went through it (even if that person is you). It takes away their justification to feel the way they do.
Everyone Has Different Definitions
Far too often, one of the biggest reasons people misinterpret trauma is because their definition is different.
For example, if you were to ask five different people their definition of trauma, you would undoubtedly hear different things. Some of the ideas might overlap. But, some might be completely opposite from someone else’s.
This is why trauma is so often misunderstood or not taken as seriously as it should be. Some people are quick to forget about trauma and who might be dealing with it. Others think that if there are no clear signs or symptoms, that individual must be fine.
Because of the different definitions, it can be hard to identify traumas if you or someone you know is dealing with the effects. You might think you’re going through something else, or that it’s not as serious as it really is.
The Wrong Kind of Help
Unfortunately, because people often have their own misconceptions about trauma, they search for the wrong kind of help.
Not every therapist understands trauma. Not everyone is licensed and experienced to handle the effects of trauma. So, if you’ve been through a traumatic experience, and now you’re struggling but don’t know why, you could be seeking out ineffective help.
Talk therapy of any kind can help with the effects of trauma. But, not if you aren’t getting to the root of the issue. So, if you’re trying to get help from a mental health professional but it doesn’t seem to be “working,” you should consider that, perhaps, you’re not seeking help for the right thing.
Trauma can be difficult for anyone to fully understand. But, it’s not impossible.
If you feel as though you’ve been through a traumatic experience either recently or years ago, it’s never too late to get help and find answers. You don’t have to live with the effects of your trauma forever.
Interested in Beginning Your Journey to Heal Trauma?
Schedule your phone consultation with any of our trauma specialists to learn more about how trauma-focused therapy can make a difference in your life.
Jessica Bennett, MA, LPC, CAADC is the Founder of Collaborative: Psychotherapy & Self-Discovery in Troy, Michigan. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor & Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor who has completed Levels 1 & 2 IFS Training through the IFS Institute. Jessica specializes in treating young and aspiring professionals who wish to fully heal from trauma and anxiety.