Understanding Trauma: Types, Causes & Healing From Within

May 28

What is Trauma?

Trauma has become somewhat of a buzzword in recent years, and it can be challenging to pin down exactly what it means. One of the most insightful definitions comes from Dr. Gabor Maté, a leading expert in trauma and addiction. He explains, "Trauma is not what happens to you, but what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you."

This definition highlights a key point: trauma isn't just about the external event itself but the internal impact it leaves on an individual. It’s about how these experiences disrupt one’s emotional, psychological, and physiological balance.

Trauma Isn't Limited to Extreme Cases

Dr. Maté’s approach expands our understanding of trauma. While many of us associate trauma with extreme events like abuse or violence, he emphasizes that it can also arise from more subtle experiences:

Emotional neglect
Unmet needs in childhood
Lack of attunement from caregivers

In essence, trauma is a disconnection from the self that occurs when a person is overwhelmed and unable to process their feelings or experiences healthily. This disconnection can manifest in various ways, including:

Emotional numbness
Hypervigilance
Addiction
Chronic stress

The lasting imprints that trauma creates on the body and mind lead to patterns of stress, emotional pain, and health issues over time. But Dr. Maté’s view isn’t one of hopelessness—he believes that trauma is treatable. Healing can come through:

Reconnecting with oneself
Compassionate awareness
Therapy
Addressing the root causes of emotional wounds

Types of Trauma

It’s important to understand that trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different types of trauma affect people in various ways.

Acute Trauma

Acute trauma refers to a single, isolated traumatic event. This often comes from sudden, unexpected experiences like:

Accidents
Assaults
Natural disasters

Although acute trauma has a defined beginning and end, it can still leave lasting effects on a person's mental and emotional well-being.

Chronic Trauma

Chronic trauma results from prolonged exposure to distressing situations or repeated traumatic events, such as:

Ongoing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Domestic violence
Bullying
Living in a war zone

Over time, the continuous nature of chronic trauma can deeply impact an individual's sense of safety and self-worth.

Complex Trauma

Complex trauma arises from exposure to multiple, pervasive traumatic events, often within interpersonal relationships or during crucial developmental stages. It is commonly seen in individuals who have experienced long-term trauma, such as:

Childhood abuse
Neglect

Complex trauma can significantly affect emotional regulation, attachment patterns, and sense of identity, making it more difficult to treat.

Healing from Trauma

One of Dr. Maté's key insights is that trauma creates lasting imprints on the body and mind, but healing is possible. He advocates for a holistic approach that incorporates the mind-body connection and recognizes the impact of early life experiences on how trauma affects us later in life. Reconnecting with the self through:

Compassionate awareness
Therapy
Addressing emotional wounds

... allows individuals to start the healing process and regain balance in their lives.

Final Thoughts

While we often delay feeling tough emotions through avoidance, the path to healing trauma requires us to face these emotions head-on. With a compassionate approach and the right support, individuals can begin to heal, rediscover their sense of self, and restore emotional balance.