Trauma, as a concept, is complicated. The word comes from the ancient Greek for “wound,” and was originally used only for physical injuries. Since the end of the 19th century, however, the term has also been applied psychologically, to refer to severe mental or emotional stress.
The recognition of emotional trauma has long been highlighted by war. During World War I, it was known as “shell shock,” and soldiers suffering from the condition were often ignored or berated. Later, in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, the term “post-traumatic stress disorder” (PTSD) came into use following numerous diagnoses of military veterans. Today, PTSD is diagnosed for a wide range of emotionally or physically traumatic events, from war to abuse to tragic accidents or loss.
Smaller and at times less obviously traumatic experiences can also be debilitating. For this reason, some medical experts divide trauma into “big-T” and “little-t” categories, with the “little-t” traumas covering events such as divorce, financial worries, and the loss of a job — none of which are likely to lead to post-traumatic stress symptoms, but can nonetheless be incredibly difficult and disruptive to daily life, challenging our ability to feel healthy and happy.
Many people experience trauma during their lives, be it “big-T” or “little-t” or both. The process of healing can be long, but overcoming trauma is certainly possible. The following quotes, from psychotherapists, famous authors, and others, shine a light on the road to recovery.
To survive trauma, one must be able to tell a story about it.
When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we’re not alone.
We may not be responsible for the world that created our minds, but we can take responsibility for the mind with which we create our world.
As every therapist will tell you, healing involves discomfort — but so does refusing to heal. And, over time, refusing to heal is always more painful.
While trauma can be hell on earth, trauma resolved is a gift of the gods — a heroic journey that belongs to each of us.
You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.
Trauma is like grief. You can be fine for four or five years, then it comes back and hits you like it happened the day before. But then you can heal, you can find ways to love yourself, to be a valid member of society, to give back.
So many people with trauma feel like they’re failing because they have a bad day or a bad week or a bad year. And you know what? If you wake up, you’re not failing. If you brush your teeth, you’re not failing.
The traumas we inherit or experience firsthand can not only create a legacy of distress, but also forge a legacy of strength and resilience that can be felt for generations to come.
Very often, “what happened” takes years to reveal itself. It takes courage to confront our actions, peel back the layers of trauma in our lives, and expose the raw truth of our past. But this is where healing begins.
One of the hardest things was learning I was worth recovery.
Healing is not a onetime event but rather a journey … As it relates to healing the wounds of trauma, it is a journey from helplessness (which is the essence of trauma) to mastery.
I’ve been searching for ways to heal myself, and I’ve found that kindness is the best way.
Someone who has experienced trauma also has gifts to offer all of us — in their depth, their knowledge of our universal vulnerability, and their experience of the power of compassion.
Featured Image Credit: Dave Hoefler/ Unsplash
Tony Dunnell
Tony is an English writer of non-fiction and fiction living on the edge of the Amazon jungle.
