These events may include things like natural disasters, physical or sexual assault, serious accidents, or combat exposure. Big T trauma can cause symptoms such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions.
One way to understand big T trauma is to think about it in terms of the body's stress response. The stress response is a natural biological response to perceived threats or danger. When we perceive a threat or danger, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare us to fight, flee, or freeze. This response can be helpful in life-threatening situations, but it can also be triggered by events like natural disasters or violent crimes.
If the body's stress response is activated repeatedly or for an extended period of time, it can cause physical and emotional damage. This can happen with big T trauma, as well as with small T trauma. However, the impact of big T trauma can be more severe and longer-lasting. Big T trauma can lead to the development of mental health conditions like PTSD, which can cause symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and intense feelings of fear or anxiety.
If you have experienced big T trauma, it's important to seek support and help. Talking with a trusted friend or family member, seeking professional counseling, and engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise or meditation can all be helpful in managing the symptoms of trauma. There are also evidence-based treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) that can help you process and heal from traumatic experiences.
