Trauma

What is Trauma?

Psychological distress occurs after a traumatic event and can present itself in various ways. Trauma is a response to an event that is perceived as life threatening and is a normal response to an abnormal event.

Different types of Trauma

• Simple trauma (once-off)

• Repeat trauma

• Prolonged trauma

• Multiple trauma

• Continuous trauma

• Routine trauma

• Secondary victimization

Different kinds of victims or survivors can be identified 

Direct victims

• Direct exposure to the event 

Indirect victims

• Affected by the event, e.g. family of direct victim 

Secondary trauma

• Exposure through working with people who are traumatized 

Vicarious trauma

• Indirect exposure through imagining or witnessing someone else’s exposure

Three Phases of Trauma

1. Impact phase (24 – 48 hours after the event) 

• Shock, numbness, adrenal response (stress cycle), survival high.

2. Recoil phase 

• Re-experiencing, avoidance and arousal symptoms develop.

3. Re-integration phase

• Questioning, processing and seeking meaning from the experience.

NB: Watch the video below to get an insight on how childhood trauma affects your future

Where to find help:

SADAG Mental Health Line

011 234 4837

Suicide Crisis Line

0800 567 567

References:

Eagle, G.T. (1998). An integrative model for brief term intervention in the treatment of psychological trauma. International Journal of Psychotherapy, 3, 2; (p.135)

WARNING

You may think that you recognize certain symptoms and/or disorders in yourself and others while reading this information! Please do not diagnose yourself because you will probably cause yourself unnecessary stress and distress. You are also, by law not allowed to make a diagnosis, as only registered Psychologists and Psychiatrists may do so.