Facing The Trauma of Living in This World

It can happen to anyone

Life in this world is full of problems and trials. No one can escape this life without a number of problems coming his/her way. Most problems are not major, but some can be very serious. These can cause trauma which, according to Psychology Today, is defined this way: “Trauma is the experience of severe psychological distress following any terrible or life-threatening event. Sufferers may develop emotional disturbances such as extreme anxiety, anger, sadness…”

Trauma may be caused by a terrible incident such as an accident, rape, death of a child, or natural disaster. However, a person may experience the feelings of trauma if something that they perceive to be terrible happens to them. It can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms.

Not everyone who experiences a stressful event will develop trauma. There are also different types of trauma. Some people will have symptoms that disappear after a few weeks. Others may have more long-term effects as a result of the trauma. People may find that it is hard to function in physical, social, or emotional aspects of their life.

The three main types of trauma are acute, chronic, and complex. A single incident may cause acute trauma. Chronic trauma is repeated and prolonged. Complex trauma happens with exposure to multiple different traumatic events.

Some of the reasons for developing trauma are physical or sexual abuse, injury or illness, domestic or community violence, neglect, grief, accidents, loss of a loved one, or natural disasters.

Not only adults are the victims of trauma, but children may also be affected. People can sometimes escape from the trauma relatively unscathed if conditions improve. Medical treatment may be necessary and helpful. Finding constructive ways to manage the symptoms of trauma can help to reduce the effects of the devastating experience which caused trauma.

Into each life some rain will fall. No one will escape this life without a number of problems coming his way. Sometimes the problems can be quite serious and cause trauma. Trials are common in every person’s life. No one is immune from such events and circumstances which can cause havoc in life. Traumatic events can change the course of one’s life.

The loss of a family member or close friend can cause trauma. Suffering a severe setback in the financial realm can create huge problems. The break up of a relationship or another type of painful experience may be a very difficult thing with which to cope. Living in a poor neighborhood in a life of poverty can cause untold stress and hardship. Trauma can come in many forms including physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, and almost any type of problem imaginable.

Looking at trauma as a positive event may not seem logical or possible. However, trauma is something from which you can survive. Sometimes people come out better in the end for having conquered the trauma. You can overcome the issue. You may discover in the process that you have a great capacity to fight adversity and achieve success. You may find that you have a great potential which was lacking previously. People can overcome trauma to become better people and live an abundant life. You can end up a stronger person.

Enduring trials and persevering in the face of adversity and trauma may be difficult, but it can be done. It may require a change of attitude. Having a positive attitude will be helpful. Negativity will pull a person down. Believing in oneself is beneficial. You are in control, and you can find answers. You may need to look long and hard for suitable solutions which might include asking people for support. Trust in the caring people around you — friends, family, or professionals.

A major traumatic event happened to American citizens and immigrants of Japanese heritage after the start of World War II. Because the United States was at war with Japan, people of Japanese descent were immediately looked upon as enemies and potential spies. Even though most of them were citizens born in the United States of America, 120,000 people living on the West Coast of the continental United States were forcibly removed from their homes.

They were taken to temporary assembly centers which were generally horse tracks or fairgrounds where they lived in horse stalls until the camps were completed in remote and desolate regions of the country. These people faced major trauma from being uprooted from their homes and losing their earthly possessions. It was a racist act which caused huge emotional problems for those incarcerated. Losing their homes, freedom, and everything they had caused trauma to many of these innocent Americans.

Although they faced this horrible trauma, most of the people persevered. They did what they could to make the best of a terrible situation. Some people suffered and never recovered from the trauma. Others were able to come back and eventually live productive lives. They had to have hope and faith that their lot in life would get better. They had to persevere, and most did survive the ordeal. They now want to make sure that no one else will have to face the same trauma as this injustice caused.

Sometimes when we see someone else facing trauma, we can only be thankful that it is not us. We would not want such a horrible thing to happen to us or our loved ones. If someone you know is facing extreme trauma, it may be time to reach out and offer assistance.

Think positively and count your blessings in order to be able to face and overcome any problems and trauma which may come.

[Some information was from Jayne Leonard in Psychology Today.]