The guilt and shame of trauma are something easily missed in the therapy room. Trauma can trigger changes in how we view ourselves, the world, and our sense of safety. However, when someone is involved in a traumatic event, their role or lack thereof can create guilt and shame later in life. We’ll explore the effects of trauma on the brain and body and how this influences guilt and shame in this blog post.
What Classifies as Trauma?
Every person’s response to trauma is different. Typically, traumatic events are broken down into two categories. The first is big T traumas and the other is small t traumas. Big T traumas are those events that have the potential to create Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. These can include, experiencing a physical assault where you feared for your safety, sexual assault, witnessing violence, or repeated exposure to horrific events. On the other hand, small t traumas are those things that happen daily yet also hold a negative charge that resonates within the body. These types of events may include infidelity, being unexpectedly fired, or bullying. Both forms of trauma can disrupt an individual’s body, nervous system regulation, and mind-body connection.
How Does Trauma Affect the Body?
As noted above, trauma can impact the body, the nervous system, and lead to disconnection between the mind and body. Furthermore, depending on the type of trauma, the body will store charged impulses, emotions, and sensations that were unable to complete at the time of the trauma. After experiencing a traumatic experience, the body itself can be seen as hostile, as well as our thoughts and memories. After trauma, the nervous system may become dysregulated. This is a key element to being able to navigate present-day stressors, interpersonal issues, and mood swings. Lastly, the mind may view the body as a threat given that elements of the traumatic experience are stored within it. Both the mind and body can become disconnected after trauma and these need to be gently brought back into alignment.
Why Guilt and Shame?
Trauma often occurs in moments of unpredictability. And in these moments, we of
ten do not have control or influence. Our brains have evolved the ability to reflect on past experiences and this can come back to negatively impact us. Follow this link here to read more about our brain’s evolutionary process. As we reflect, we begin to dissect moments where we could have done something different or didn’t need to do something at all. These thoughts aren’t problematic unless we get stuck in guilt and shame loops. Over time, guilt and shame can negatively impact our mood, thought processes, and behavior(s).
Do Men Experience Trauma?
Of course, men experience trauma. However, men may choose to deal with trauma differently due to societal stigmas and expectations. These factors can cause the traumatic experience itself and trauma symptoms to become suppressed or avoided when they arise. Consequently, this can prolong one’s suffering. By being able to process and integrate past trauma, the body can begin to heal and regulate itself.
Individual Trauma Therapist for Men Near Milwaukee, WI
Finding a male therapist who is skilled in navigating trauma therapy is paramount to the recovery process. At Revitalize Mental Health PLLC, I offer in-person therapy sessions for those living in Southern Milwaukee, WI, and virtual trauma therapy for those who live throughout Wisconsin and Colorado.
Make the Jump to Find a Trauma Therapist Near Me!
If you are ready to start healing and find peace within your own body, reach out now. We can be contacted by following this link or by giving us a call at 720.295.6703. I look forward to hearing from you!
