Many of us are emotional third-degree burn victims. Breathe gently in the opposite direction.

Hello and welcome

In the last episode we talked about the symptoms, impact and manifestation of complex trauma and how it’s different from ptsd. Now we will dive a little deeper into the definitions of some obscure impacts and clarify trauma bonding that keeps many stuck in abusive environments.

Impact of Trauma

The impact of trauma can take a life of its own. We are fortunate to have many incredible tools for healing. Being mindful of who we surround ourselves with during our recovery makes a world of difference. We are all traumatized in one way or another, which should be reason enough to make us understand and empathize with each other. Understanding is not even a pre-requisite to kindness. We don’t have to wait for someone to die to love them properly. Everything becomes clear in hindsight. Anyone can tell you what you should have done instead. Therefore, 20/20 advise is not of much use.

“We are here to help each other remember, and then let go.”~Inspired by LOST

1. Dissociation

When you are in the middle of a traumatic event with no help in sight, you dissociate. Your mind will leave to a safer space. You split. It is the only option to survive. Dissociation can be temporary during a traumatic event, or becomes an involuntary habit. It gets easily triggered. When there is any resemblance, no matter how faint, to a past trauma, dissociation goes into effect. Some people may take a couple of weeks before they realize they’ve been insulted, and decide to react long after the incident. Sometimes, it gets triggered by a pleasant situation in the presence of an abuser. If the abuser is in a good mood, they can still trigger anxiety in the victim, as they never know what the next moment can bring. So, they may miss out on moments. Moreover, preoccupation with trauma can lead to dissociation in casual situations. The normalcy of the people around may act as a reminder of how flawed the person is, and how they are unable to feel they belong.

2. Derealization

I wish I could realize I am here, but I’m not sure I am.

It’s a kind of a funny feeling to be in a moment without being in it. People appear like cartoon characters. Nothing seems to be real. I suppose it’s a state that many have to smoke something to understand it. Trauma creates all kinds of mental highs and low, and this one can be, both, fun and painful. Anticipating a desired moment, only to miss out on it when it arrives can be heartbreaking when it’s gone. You realize later that you didn’t get to enjoy it, because your mind was anxious and preoccupied with the inevitable pain that will come when it’s over. You get consumed by your fears, and life flows in and out with you unaware. There is an invisible bubble around you and everyone else seems just out of your reach.

3. Quasi Accidents

Being accident prone is a way of self-harm without being held accountable for anything except clumsiness.

Traumas caused by prolonged or ongoing emotional abuse gets us out of alignment, and not much care is given to our safety. When we feel perpetually unsafe, our minds become unfocused, disorganized

Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

This is J.S. Wolfe, author, editor, content creator, and of course, new podcaster!
Find me on Instagram: @WolfeSound :)
I respond to all your questions that may help others gain deeper understanding of human behavior, consciousness and healing.

Visit WolfeSound website for blogs, portfolio and Media services.