What is Trauma?

Although most individuals will be able to absorb the trauma over time, many survivors will experience long-lasting problems.

Many survivors currently living with PTSD experience symptoms that are both chronic and severe. These include nightmares, insomnia, somatic disturbances, difficulty with intimate relationships, fear, anxiety, anger, shame, aggression, suicidal behaviors, loss of trust and isolation.

Psychological disorders may also occur in conjunction with PTSD including depression, anxiety and alcohol/substance abuse problems.

What is Trauma? – Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource Center (chcs.org)
Key Ingredients for Trauma-Informed Care (chcs.org)

American Psychological Association’s Facts About Women and Trauma:

Women who experience trauma are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD. Here’s why (apa.org)

Events we experience include abuse; terrorism and war; domestic abuse physical, psychological, and sexual violence; witnessing violence against others; and accidents and natural disasters.

Approximately one-half (50 percent) of all individuals will be exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.

Approximately 8 percent of survivors will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Several Types of Trauma

An article written by Jayne Leonard, Medical News Today on 06/03/2020 states:

Acute Trauma

This results from a single stressful or dangerous event.

Chronic Trauma:

This results from repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events.

Complex Trauma: 

This results from exposure to multiple traumatic events.

Secondary Trauma

or Vicarious Trauma.  Results when a person develops trauma symptoms from being in close contact with someone who has experienced a traumatic event.

Traumatic Experiences:
Jane Leonard shares what Traumatic experiences are:
Harassment, Physical, Psychological, or Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, Traffic Collisions, Childbirth, Life Threatening Illnesses, Sudden Loss of a Loved One, OR Being Attacked.

What Does Scripture Teach us About Trauma and Suffering?
Dr. Matthew Stanford  Chief Executive Officer, Hope and Healing Center & Institute shares:

  1. That God is present and in control of our suffering 
  2. God is good and he cares for us 
  3. Through our trials and suffering we have an opportunity to draw closer to God
  4. Jesus understands what it is to suffer 
  5. Our identity is grounded in Christ