A Traumatic Situation Versus A Psychological Trauma

A Traumatic Situation versus a Psychological Trauma

CDC.gov (n.d.) reports that a traumatic situation refers to an event that causes significant stress in a person’s life. Traumatic situations impact the routine and well-being of individuals. They are classified as single, repeated, natural, and manmade situations (Giller, 2019). Repeated traumatic situations are reinforced and are associated with significant impacts on the person’s well-being (Giller, 2019). Examples of traumatic situations include natural disasters such as hurricanes, violent experiences such as rape and war, accidents, divorce, the death of a close relative or friend, and being diagnosed with life-threatening conditions (Giller, 2019).

On the other hand, Giller (2019) reports that psychological trauma occurs when individuals are exposed to a traumatic situation and are unable to integrate their emotional experience. Psychological trauma is characterized by the inability to cope with a traumatic situation. Notably, this trauma overwhelms the affected person and impacts their emotional, physical, and mental well-being (Giller, 2019). It is worth noting that psychological trauma is a subjective response to a traumatic situation. For instance, when two people are exposed to a traumatic situation, they will likely be impacted differently. The impact is dependent on the person’s past experiences, coping skills, and emotional support (Giller, 2019). Furthermore, a traumatic situation is likely to cause psychological trauma if the situation happens abruptly, repeatedly, and occurs during childhood (Giller, 2019).

Psychological trauma presents various manifestations. The person is likely to be disoriented, confused, have nightmares, have mood swings, and be unable to concentrate (Giller, 2019). Furthermore, the person will demonstrate anhedonia and social withdrawal. Other manifestations include panic attacks, depression, anxiety, and guilt (Giller, 2019). Inadequately managed psychological trauma predisposes an individual to drug and substance abuse, impulsive and compulsive behaviors, and eating disorders (Giller, 2019). According to Giller (2019), individualized coping mechanisms such as avoidance and hypervigilance should be availed to individuals exposed to traumatic situations.