What Are the Types of Psychological Trauma?

Psychological trauma is defined as a negative situation a person experiences that exceeds their psychological capacity to cope. Examples include the trauma of losing someone dear to us, such as a father, mother, husband, wife, son, or daughter.

Why is trauma related to loss called by this name?

Because in such experiences, a person loses their sense of psychological safety and support, two essential feelings that every human being needs. To overcome this sense of loss, we must understand that no one will remain with you and love you throughout your entire life. They will stay with you for a period that may be long or short, after which they may travel or die. Learn, therefore, to receive love from many people rather than just one, and also learn to draw a sense of safety from within yourself.

What are the types of psychological trauma?

1. Trauma of helplessness:

These are situations in which a person does not know how to act and consequently feels helpless and powerless. To overcome this feeling of helplessness, one should draw closer to God, Glorified and Exalted, and pray to Him to give them the strength to emerge from the ordeal.

2. Trauma involving a lack of safety:

This is closely connected to trauma of loss because a person experiencing this type of trauma feels unsafe. Examples include losing one’s mother or father, as they are the first sources of a sense of safety in life, as well as a husband’s continual threats of separation or of marrying another woman.

3. Trauma involving an inability to forgive:

This is trauma a person experiences after giving where their generosity was misplaced and receiving only betrayal in return. A person must therefore learn to make sacrifices only for those who deserve them and not give excessively to anyone unless that giving is reciprocated, because excessive giving teaches the recipient only to take, while life is about both giving and receiving.

4. Trauma involving psychological harm:

In this type, a person is exposed to someone domineering or oppressive. The domineering person applies psychological pressure in many ways, causing the recipient psychological harm, helplessness, and emotional oppression. The domineering person also continually reprimands the more vulnerable person, causing them to lose the ability to make decisions and become hesitant. You must reject the psychological harm being inflicted on you and establish psychological boundaries that others may not cross. Keep telling yourself, “I deserve love from others, and I deserve to love myself unconditionally.” Always give yourself simple gifts, and decide from now on to make yourself happy in every way available to you. It is important to note that complaining will never solve your problem; rather, seeking treatment is what will solve it.

5. Inherited trauma:

 Inherited trauma from family members, grandparents, fathers, and mothers has a significant effect on your present reality, as well as on your current feelings and thoughts and your future decisions. You must seek to change your psychological awareness to emerge from this predicament and live in peace. Know that the purpose of our existence in this life is to live in peace. We will encounter challenges and difficulties, but your psychological strength is what will enable you to overcome them with ease.