Creating a Supportive Space for PTSD Sufferers - Types of Trauma

As I try harder and harder to create this supportive space for those with the condition labelled PTSD, I think it is important to identify some of the forms of trauma which can cause the condition. These are the most common types of trauma but PTSD can be the result of any number of different kinds. A medical professional can determine which type has caused your trauma. Mine was a combination of Intergenerational and Secondary types of trauma which originated through my parents having survived WWII. 

Acute Trauma:  

A single distressing incident – such as surviving a hate crime or a mugging. 

Chronic Trauma: 

Prolonged, repeated experiences -- this can be as life changing as financial abuse of some kind (someone other than you controls your finances against your will) or sexual abuse, both of which can unfold over years. 

Complex Trauma: 

Multiple distressing events that are interpersonal and invasive in nature – this type would include ongoing child abuse or intimate partner violence. 

Collective Trauma: 

A major event experienced by a group of individuals or within a community – like our very own Covid-19 pandemic. 

Interpersonal Trauma: 

Mistreatment from another person/persons -- for example, abuse, combat, assault, or severe discrimination. 

Non-interpersonal Trauma: 

A highly distressing experience that does not originate from human behaviour – certain disturbing medical diagnoses or even a natural disaster. 

Intergenerational Trauma: 

This can be caused by terrifying events experienced by one generation which cause similar trauma-based reactions in the next generation – in my case it was historical trauma (WWII), but slavery – either past or present – is another root cause, the Holocaust is another. This category goes on and on—as there were many wars and wrongdoings in our combined histories. 

Secondary Trauma: 

This trauma is the result of learning about the traumatic experiences of others, especially those close to us. I learned how to react to situations through my parents' over-vigilance – many who suffer from PTSD acquire secondary trauma from listening too attentively, and often, to a loved one recounting an assault/or war experiences as was my case. 

CAN YOU CLAIM ONE OF THESE TYPES OF TRAUMA?  

There are innumerable types of trauma. If you feel the effects of trauma in your life, seek help from a medical professional before it’s too late.