What is Emotional Trauma?
Causes of emotional or psychological trauma
Emotional and psychological trauma are often the result of extremely stressful events which shatter our sense of security, and may make us feel completely helpless. It is often the feeling of lack of control which makes the trauma worse.
Traumatic experiences can involve a threat to our, or our family’s life or safety. However, any situation which leaves us completely overwhelmed and alone can be traumatic, and for each person this will be different as each persons experiences are very subjective to them. The more scared and helpless you feel, likely the more trauma you will experience. .
An event will most likely lead to emotional or psychological trauma if:
• It happened unexpectedly
• You were unprepared for it
• You felt powerless to prevent it
• Someone was intentionally cruel
• It happened in childhood
• It happened repeatedly.
One time events or ongoing stresses
Emotional and psychological trauma can be caused by single-blow, one-time events, such as an accident, a natural disaster, or a violent attack. Trauma can also stem from ongoing, relentless stress, such as living in a crime-ridden neighborhood or struggling with cancer. Families struggling to support a victim or crime, rape, sexual abuse, drug addiction and alcoholism also face very unique and difficult challenges for which they are often unprepared.
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