Trauma can be a difficult topic to discuss, especially when it has been experienced firsthand. When the natural healing process is disrupted, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur. PTSD is characterized by avoiding anything that reminds us of the traumatic event, including talking about it. This can be especially challenging for those who are trying to recover from a traumatic experience.
There are many factors that make it difficult to talk about trauma. There is a lack of integrated processes for asking about trauma, a lack of knowledge about current research, a lack of staff training, and a lack of understanding of what trauma really is. Additionally, many people don't relate their own life experiences to the concept of trauma. For example, witnessing the harm done to other people or the distress experienced by others is often not revealed.
The unfinished or unresolved aspect of the experience can also be traumatic. People who are recovering from substance abuse may find solace in groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which are full of other trauma survivors. Trauma survivors can use their experiences to do something more significant with their lives. Talking to a therapist about how trauma has changed your view of the world can help you question your assumptions and beliefs.
It can also help you understand that it was not your fault if you were raped or that asking for help does not mean you are weak. Traumatic experiences often involve brushes with death, such as car accidents or natural disasters, or interpersonal violence and abuse, such as robberies, assaults and abuse by partners or caregivers. Unfortunately, it may not be possible for many people to reveal their trauma in public spaces like conferences.
