Not all traumatic experiences are the same, nor can they be experienced the same. These experiences can include other people, accidents or even natural disasters. Regardless of the event, trauma can have a profound impact on how we think, feel and react. These experiences can leave you with intense feelings and symptoms, you are not alone.

Traumas are often categorized in two ways, complex trauma and single incident trauma. The differentiation is based on the frequency and severity of the events. Regardless of what type of trauma is experienced, these events can lead to Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children and adults.

Single Incident Trauma versus Complex Trauma

Single incident trauma is a lot like it sounds. These are events that happen once and are sometimes more public in nature such as an accident or natural disaster. When a traumatic event is a single incidence there is a clear beginning and end, this can help in healing and working through the affects.

Complex trauma can be far more complex, as the name implies. These types of traumas are repeated and ongoing. They can be difficult to escape from and often occur within personal relationships. This can include physical, verbal and sexual abuse, domestic violence and many other events. These events can be experienced directly by an individual or witnessed. Even the threat of such trauma can elicit intense feelings and symptoms. Complex trauma can occur at any age, though for many it begins in early childhood.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) describes “complex trauma” as “the problem of children’s exposure to multiple or prolonged traumatic events and the impact of this exposure on their development.” Psychologist Dr. Christine Courtois, a trauma expert, says it is “a type of trauma that occurs repeatedly and cumulatively, usually over a period of time and within specific relationships and contexts.”

Without proper processing of the experiences, trauma can have a lasting impact on your emotional health. After any traumatic experience, intrusive symptoms may not immediately appear. It may take months, even years, before symptoms of PTSD emerge. This is commonly why many do not receive immediate attention.

Can Traumatic Experiences Affect Development?

Each person is unique and can respond to trauma in varied ways. Some individuals may experience a traumatic event and never have intrusive symptoms afterward. Some may experience symptoms immediately after and others may take time to see the effects.

It is widely believed that a traumatic childhood can impact a child’s development process, which affects different aspects of their life. Studies show that trauma can affect a child’s neurophysiological growth and development. The changes can, in turn, impact their behavior, learning patterns, self-esteem, identity development, and relationships.

Trauma Response Symptoms

Traumatic experiences can result in intrusive and severe symptoms that may overwhelm your ability to cope and function as you would like. These responses can be delayed; this is why you may fail to connect these symptoms to the trauma you experienced. The severity can leave you feeling alone and confused, therapy can help.

According to Healing Resources.info (sponsored by the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute Center for Clinical Studies and Research), physical symptoms can include appetite and sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction, low energy, and chronic or unexplained pain. There can also be emotional symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, anger, panic attacks, and social withdrawal. Cognitive symptoms can also emerge, such as memory lapses, difficulty making decisions, or poor focus.

Chronic re-experiencing of a trauma is also common, this can include flashbacks where you re-experience the trauma, nightmares and/or intrusive memories. Avoidance behaviors are also prevalent such as avoiding talking about, having feelings or being around people, places or things that remind you of the trauma. You may also develop insomnia, excessive guilt, feelings of grief and even difficulty remembering aspects of what happened.

Moving Forward After Trauma

The effects of a traumatic event generally won’t just go away on their own. Since these symptoms can be so intrusive and severe it can be appealing to ignore them or avoid them. In some cases, individuals can try to numb these symptoms and feelings, resulting in substance abuse or social withdrawal. It may become difficult to enjoy close relationships. Traumatic experiences can leave you feeling constantly threatened or anxious, causing your reactions and behaviors to be impulsive or compulsive. This can also impact self-esteem and ability to make decisions resulting in a loss of opportunities.

If you or a loved one are experiencing this, help is available. The therapists contracted with CCS are familiar with various approaches to help you recover and move forward. Call Carolina Counseling Services — Pittsboro, NC, to schedule your first appointment.

Related Articles:

• Basic Facts to Know about Trauma and PTSD
• The PTSD Symptom-Free Life: How to Get There
• Life After PTSD: How to Get There
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: How Can it Help you?