Note: this article strictly defines trauma according to what the DSM-5 says.
When trauma is talked about, there seems to be a very subjective meaning given to it, which makes it very vague, when, ironically, it is one of the most impactful things that we, as individuals, could be exposed to. The purpose of this article is to clarify what it really means to go through something traumatic and how it is defined by the DSM-5.
What Do We Mean by Trauma?
Trauma is understood as a certain situation an individual is exposed to that causes damaging effects to their mental state of being. Being exposed to trauma has severe side effects that could result in mental disorders, especially when individuals have certain risk factors that increase the possibility of developing a certain disorder. As per the DSM-5, trauma is classified as being exposed to “actual or threatened death, sexual violence, or serious injury”.
This means that one needs to see a disaster happen, whether it is natural one or man-made – such as war or a volcano. An individual can also be exposed to various types of abuse, whether prolonged and developmental – such as sexual or physical childhood abuse – or short term, such as sexual assault, although the “short term-ness” of this situation is debatable considering the detrimental effects that one can experience upon being raped, for example. Suffice it to say, the impacts of being raped are anything but short term. One could be kidnapped or have a huge accident that really hurts them physically and even mentally, or even witness an assault or any other violent act. Being exposed to trauma also applies to individuals who witness these hardships every day, such as forensic psychologists and members of the police force, or others in the field.
Additionally, medical trauma is also under the umbrella of trauma, and it has various classifications, such waking up in the middle of surgery or anaphylactic shock, which is understood as a deadly allergic reaction that needs immediate interference. What is no longer classified as trauma is having a heart attack or finding out you have cancer.
Interestingly, what is not classified as trauma in the definition that the DSM provides are psychosocial stressors, like divorce, having familial issues, money problems, and the like.
Impacts of Trauma
One essential thing we must not forget about trauma is that it influences every individual in a unique way. Not one person has the same reaction as the other. There are various impacts of trauma, with the most prominent relation to it being symptoms that coincide with PTSD. Although there are other comorbidities – meaning disorders also associated with trauma and PTSD but to a lesser extent – this section will focus on the symptoms that occur right after being exposed to trauma. Coping styles vary between individuals, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to being exposed to a traumatic situation. However, the reactions can include “exhaustion, confusion, sadness, anxiety, agitation, numbness, dissociation, confusion, physical arousal, and blunted affect” to name a few. Many of these immediate reactions can, to a certain extent, be classified as normal, until they become dysfunctional, frequent, intense, and long-term. This is where intervention must be introduced. Being exposed to a traumatic situation is not easy at all. The situation one is exposed to can lead to the most unexpected reactions, and that is the most beautiful and scary thing about the human body.
If anyone has gone through any form of trauma, please know that you are not alone. It is also highly advised that you contact a specialist to help you through the situation you have been exposed to.