Chronic: When trauma events have occurred several times, over a period of time. Chronic trauma, especially occurring in childhood often results in a significant change in one’s view of the world around them and/or of themselves.
Acute: This is a single-event trauma. Though individuals experiencing this might also develop thoughts about self and others not previously experienced, this occurs more often for individuals experiencing chronic trauma. Symptoms arising after acute trauma are typically more physical: sleep disturbance, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, inattention, etc.
Pre-Verbal: This is trauma that children experience prior to one-to-two years of life, depending on your source. Like acute trauma, when pre-verbal trauma is triggered it often results in physical symptoms in later childhood and adulthood: nausea, shaking, headaches.
Attachment: This is trauma that prevents a child from developing a secure attachment. Lack of response from a caregiver leads to a child having difficulty emotionally regulating and connecting with others.
Perpetrator and Non-perpetrator: Though all trauma is difficult, some research indicates trauma perpetrated by another human has more significant and long-lasting impacts than trauma that occurs more “naturally” in the world. Further, the closer the relationship of the perpetrator to the person harmed, the more impactful.
Secondary: This is a type of trauma experienced when hearing of someone else's trauma. Although the original (primary) trauma happened to someone else, there is a traumatic impact on the individual learning of the trauma. This often occurs when family members or close friends hear the intimate details of a trauma experience.
If you’ve experienced a recent trauma, sleep hygiene is so important. Along with other basic self-care, (a balanced diet and appropriate hydration) sleep allows the opportunity to process your experience. If you have had a recent trauma and you are having difficulty sleeping, see your PCP soon.
Parents, if you learn your child has experienced trauma, whether recent or decades ago, focus on being their parent, rather than an investigator. Remain calm, assure your child they’re safe now. When working with individuals that have experienced trauma as children, I find the memory of their parents reaction to the trauma is so impactful.
Make a therapy appointment. If you read the described experiences and symptoms in this article and thought of yourself or a family member, make an appointment. Give us a call or see our “Best Therapists in Springfield, MO” article for other practices we have worked with.
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