Traumas are moments when our mind is shocked, surprised, threatened, or hurt by something unexpected. Trauma occurs when there is an intense feeling of discomfort, pain, fear, or anxiety that causes extreme stress to our body and mind. It is often related to major accidents, natural disasters, violence, abuse, or medical events such as surgery or childbirth. Traumatic experiences can lead to physical, psychological, and emotional consequences that may last for years. The impact of trauma can be long-lasting and affect many aspects of life, including work, school, family, social life, and personal well-being.
One way trauma affects people is through temporal triggers, which are sensory cues that remind them of the original traumatic event. These triggers can include sounds, smells, tastes, sights, textures, or even times of day.
Someone who has experienced a car accident might become anxious every time they hear the sound of a siren or see a red car. They may also experience flashbacks or nightmares, where they relive the traumatic event in vivid detail. This can be very distressing and make it difficult to cope with daily life.
There are several ways trauma binds the body to these temporal triggers. Firstly, trauma overloads our senses and creates strong associations between sensory stimuli and the traumatic event. When we encounter a trigger, our brain and body react as if we are experiencing the trauma again, causing us to feel fear, panic, or other negative emotions. Secondly, trauma changes how our brains process information. Our brain becomes hypervigilant, constantly scanning for potential threats, which makes it easier to notice triggers.
Trauma disrupts our sense of safety and security, making us more sensitive to any perceived dangers.
Temporal triggers can have a powerful effect on people's lives, making it difficult to function normally and leading to long-term problems like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
There are treatments available such as therapy, medication, and mindfulness practices that can help manage the symptoms of PTSD and improve quality of life. It is important to seek professional help when needed and support from friends, family, and community.
How does trauma bind the body to certain temporal triggers — seasons, smells, sounds — that collapse years into seconds?
Traumatic experiences can have long-lasting effects on an individual's physical, mental, and emotional health. These events can create significant changes in how one perceives the world around them, leading to heightened levels of anxiety, fear, and mistrust. The brain is particularly affected by such experiences, as it tries to process and make sense of the traumatic event and its aftermath.