What is Trauma?

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when an individual experiences or witnesses a single (short-term) traumatic event that scars them deeply. PTSD alters the cognitive functions of the brain; individuals may relive the event through flashbacks and nightmares, their moods and ability to process emotions can change, and they may feel detached from others.

    While PTSD can be the result of any traumatic event, it most commonly affects those involved in war, assaults, or serious accidents.

  • Complex post-traumatic stress disorder occurs when an individual experiences or witnesses recurring (long-term) traumatic events which scar them on a deeply personal level. CPTSD survivors may experience any of the common symptoms of PTSD patients, but their prolonged trauma may cause them to feel increased feelings of worthlessness and more difficulty expressing or understanding their emotions.

    CPTSD most commonly affects those whose trauma began in the early stages of cognitive development. Common CPTSD events include but are not limited to prolonged sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and domestic violence.

  • Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) occurs within the first month after an individual experiences a traumatic event (short-term) and causes similar symptoms to PTSD. Individuals must experience these symptoms for longer than a month for their disorder to be classified as PTSD.

The Science Behind Writing.

Trauma is complicated. It can be difficult for survivors to comprehend their traumatic event(s) and the negative emotions that come with it. Expressive writing, like cognitive processing therapy, is a way for survivors to better understand their trauma by allowing it to spill out onto the page. When these negative thoughts gain tangibility through a pen and paper, survivors may be able to better cope with and accept their experience(s).

Writing has the power to help the healing process. Studies have shown that writing about negative emotions decreases stress levels and can even improve physical health. Trauma survivors may be able to better manage stress related to traumatic events. Healthy coping mechanisms like writing can help survivors take back control of their lives from the hands of trauma.

According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, people with diagnosed PTSD who began expressive writing in a 3-month time period showed improvement in mood and increased ability to regulate trauma-related responses.

Resources

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

Veterans Crisis Line: 988 then press 1

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

PTSD Foundation of America: 877-717-PTSD (7893)

Sources

“Complex PTSD.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24881-cptsd-complex-ptsd. Accessed 27 July 2023.

American Psychiatric Association. “What Is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?” Psychiatry.Org, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd. Accessed 27 July 2023.

“Acute Stress Disorder.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24755-acute-stress-disorder. Accessed 27 July 2023.

“How Writing Can Help People with PTSD.” PTSD UK, www.ptsduk.org/how-writing-can-help-people-with-ptsd/. Accessed 27 July 2023.

“Expressive Writing and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Effects on Trauma Symptoms, Mood States, and Cortisol Reactivity.” British Journal of Health Psychology, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18230238/. Accessed 27 July 2023.