Why Trauma? Why Now?

“When something happens to the body that is too much, too fast, or too soon, it overwhelms the body and can create trauma.” Resmaa Menakem

Trauma touches every one of us in some way, whether we recognize it or not. It’s not limited to the dramatic events we associate with "that one time" or "that other person" who seems so different from us. Trauma is far more nuanced and deeply personal, often shaped by our unique experiences, perspectives, and emotional landscapes. While external definitions can help categorize and explain different types of trauma—such as acute, chronic, or complex trauma—they are only part of the story. The true essence of trauma lies in how it is experienced and felt by the individual. No one else can define or measure what constitutes trauma for someone else, because it is deeply tied to our internal world and the impact it has on our sense of safety, identity, and wellbeing.

While trauma affects individuals in unique ways, when unaddressed, these impacts can influence workplace and team dynamics. By understanding trauma and how it shapes behavior, leaders can begin to recognize trauma and stress responses and build supportive, resilient teams.

Understanding trauma is the first step in creating a trauma-informed workplace that promotes psychological safety and understanding, fostering a culture where every team member can thrive.

We begin our understanding of trauma by learning about the different "types" of trauma.

1. Acute Trauma: Short-Term but Intense

Acute trauma results from a single distressing event, such as an accident, natural disaster, or sudden loss. It’s often characterized by intense emotional responses and a sudden shift in perspective. People experiencing acute trauma may initially respond with shock, anxiety, or hyper-vigilance. In time, these symptoms can dissipate, but for some, acute trauma leaves a lasting impact on how they perceive the world.

2. Chronic Trauma: Persistent and Ongoing Stress

Chronic trauma occurs from prolonged exposure to highly stressful situations, such as abuse, bullying, financial instability, or workplace discrimination. Unlike acute trauma, chronic trauma is characterized by repetitive, ongoing stress that wears down an individual’s resilience over time. It can lead to feelings of helplessness, hypervigilance, and emotional exhaustion, which can deeply affect a person’s self-esteem and worldview.

3. Complex Trauma: Layers of Emotional Pain

Complex trauma is the result of multiple, ongoing traumatic events, often beginning in childhood. Examples include long-term neglect, abuse, or growing up in an environment characterized by chaos or unpredictability. Complex trauma can lead to chronic feelings of insecurity, distrust, and difficulty managing emotions. It shapes the way individuals see themselves and interact with others, often making relationships and communication challenging.

4. Relational Trauma: Challenges in Building Trust

Relational trauma stems from harmful interactions within close relationships, particularly with caregivers, partners, or authority figures. This form of trauma can deeply impact a person’s sense of safety and ability to trust others, leading to a heightened fear of vulnerability.

5. Intergenerational Trauma: The Legacy of Past Pain

Intergenerational trauma, sometimes called transgenerational trauma, occurs when the effects of trauma experienced by one generation are passed down to subsequent generations. This type of trauma can stem from historical oppression, war, displacement, or family patterns of abuse or neglect.

In our next issue, we will discuss how trauma directly impacts the workplace, teams and overall company success.  Stay tuned!