Unraveling the Complexities of Trauma

Traumatic Event vs Trauma vs Traumatic Invalidation

Trauma is a significant topic that touches people's lives in numerous ways, showing its impact in various aspects with a complex, yet relatable presence. Let’s start by differentiating between trauma and traumatic event.

The traumatic event is what happened to you, just the plain facts. This may include situations such as accidents, neglect, divorce, abuse, violence, natural disasters, or other threatening experiences.

Trauma encompasses the lasting emotional response that frequently arises from experiencing a traumatic event. Going through a traumatic event can negatively impact an individual's sense of safety, self-perception, trust, esteem, power/control and capacity to manage emotions while navigating relationships.

Now the experience of trauma does not end there. A piece of the story that people widely dismiss is what happens after the traumatic event, which can often lead to what we call, Traumatic Invalidation. This where we begin to investigate what happened after the incident(s), who did you tell? Could you tell anyone? How did they react? How did you assume they would react if you did tell?

Often times, victims of trauma may not feel they have the ability to express their experience or share it because of the fear of what may come from it. Or, perhaps they did and were instead shamed, rejected and/or not believed. This is the crux of traumatic invalidation. It is an awful and painful experience that can further isolate the victim in the midst of loneliness, disappointment and abandonment. Which is why it is often reported as feeling far worse than the traumatic event itself.

Big T-Trauma vs Small T-Trauma

Another helpful way of breaking down such a loaded term is by differentiating between big T-trauma and small t-trauma. Big T trauma encompasses the lasting emotional response to events where a person or a loved one’s life or bodily integrity is threatened. For example, physical or sexual abuse, war, witnessing the death of a loved one, etc. Small t-trauma refers to a lasting emotional response to events that occur within our life that exceed our window of tolerance and cause difficulties in emotional functioning. For example, divorce, being laid off, infidelity, financial emergencies, etc.

Please keep in mind that identifying with experiences of trauma does not mean that you meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. There is a separate set of criterion that must be met and assessed by a qualified mental health professional. Nonetheless, as we navigate the intricate landscape of trauma, let's foster empathy and understanding to support those on their journey toward healing and resilience.