Types & Impacts of Trauma
Types of Trauma
Trauma takes many forms, and understanding them helps tailor support:
Historical Trauma – Collective, multigenerational harm caused by colonization, displacement, forced assimilation, and suppression of Indigenous cultural practices.
Acute Trauma – Caused by a single, intense event (e.g., accident, assault, natural disaster).
Complex Trauma – Repeated, long-term trauma, often beginning in childhood (e.g., ongoing abuse, captivity, war).
Developmental Trauma – Trauma during critical growth stages that disrupts emotional and social development.
Impacts of Trauma
Trauma can profoundly affect the body, mind, and spirit. Common impacts include:
Physical: Brain changes, immune suppression, chronic illness, sleep problems.
Emotional: Shame, depression, hopelessness, anger, emotional numbness.
Behavioural: Substance abuse, gambling, self-destructive acts, aggression, withdrawal.
Relational: Loss of trust, difficulty maintaining relationships, detachment from community.
Developmental: Delayed learning, rigid or chaotic behaviours, difficulty regulating emotions.
Other symptoms: Nightmares, flashbacks, and intense responses to triggers.
Supporting Survivors – BRAVE Approach
A respectful, empowering way to respond to disclosures of trauma:
B – Begin by listening without pressuring for details.
R – Respect confidentiality at all times.
A – Ask what support looks like to them.
V – Validate their experience and affirm it’s not their fault.
E – Empathize with their unique healing process.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing trauma. Symptoms may appear soon after or years later.
Common triggers: Combat, abuse, assault, disasters, life-threatening diagnoses.
Four symptom categories:
Intrusive memories: Flashbacks, distressing dreams, vivid recall.
Avoidance: Steering clear of places, people, or thoughts related to the trauma.
Negative mood or thought changes: Hopelessness, detachment, distorted beliefs about self or others.
Physical/emotional reactivity: Startle response, irritability, difficulty sleeping, self-destructive behaviour.
PTSD can disrupt daily functioning, relationships, and sense of safety—but with trauma-informed care, healing is possible.