The Trauma Spectrum: Distinguishing Between Inherited and Non-Inherited Trauma

by Idris Abdulgafar Olawale (El Labeeb)

Introduction – My 2018 journey to Lagos as a teenager ended in trauma when I faced abusive words and destructive criticism. The experience triggered a panic attack, altering my worldview. It is such a memory that still haunts me till date.

The abusive words I faced at the residence of a wealthy individual left an indelible mark, shaping me into someone who now responds to hurtful words with aggression. The trauma of that experience still fuels my reactive anger today, such a painful reminder of the lasting impact of trauma.

It is indisputable that Trauma has Always been an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, crime, natural disaster, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, death of a loved one, war, and more.

Trauma is the lasting emotional response that often results from living through a distressing event. Experiencing a traumatic event can harm a person’s sense of safety, sense of self, and ability to regulate emotions and navigate relationships.

Long after the traumatic event occurs, people with trauma can often feel shame, helplessness, powerlessness, anxiety, frustration, guilt, self-doubt, vulnerability, dread and intense fear or have difficulty processing their experiences. This means traumatized individuals may experience a range of emotions, from the immediate aftermath to long-term effects.

Trauma can also cause physical symptoms having a long-term effects on the person’s wellbeing. If symptoms persist and do not decrease in severity, it can indicate that the trauma has developed into a mental health disorder called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder resulting from witnessing a traumatic event. This disorder is common in people after being victims of incidents like natural disasters, a serious accident, a terrorist attack/war/combat, rape or a life-threatening experience.

PTSD, when present, manifests in different forms. Most of the top symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in individuals are avoidance and numbing, re-experiencing, and hyperarousal. It is very common for sufferers to experience constant internal reminders of the event.

This may present as a continuous nightmare or flashback, which leaves the victims emotionally shaken. Posttraumatic stress disorder usually results in phobia, sufferers try to get their minds off the event by engaging in other activities and avoiding triggers such as places where the traumatic event occured, actions and similar conditions, to take their minds off the event and to avoid a repeat of the traumatic event.

In extreme cases, Post-traumatic stress disorder can also lead to suicide if not properly managed and checked. Though, study reveals that Rachel Affiong Umoh, founder/CEO of The Wonders In Me (TWIM), Psychotherapist and Disability Rights Advocate, explains that there is no specific “cure”. People can live perfectly happy lives with the disorder as long as they take the steps to accept their past and move forward with their future.

These steps include certain treatments that lead to improved symptoms, restore self-esteem, and teach individuals with the disorder the proper skills to cope with it. However, adapting these skills won’t make the disorder go away. She pointed out that the many ways to help relieve Post-traumatic disorder symptoms and the effects are centred on specific psycho-analytic treatment such as psychoanalytic counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, and administered anti depressant (medications) prescribed by a medical doctor, As studies showing up to 62% of people receiving medication for PTSD show improvement(American Family Physician, 2003), And studies Also demonstrated that up to 46% of people with post-traumatic stress disorder show improvement within the first weeks of psychotherapy.

The therapeutic model used is different for every person facing this disorder, depending on the causes and symptoms, this means the accuracy may vary. Therefore it should be noted that, sometimes, living with PTSD can be an everyday struggle.

Some people who are burdened with the disorder feel like they can’t get their life back because they’re being pulled down by the past. Even though there isn’t a cut-and-dried cure for It, you can get back to yourself again. It just takes proper treatment, practice, and the appropriate mindset.

Findings suggest that As of mid 2020, 81.3% of Nigerians have post-traumatic stress disorder. Making it over eight of ten Nigerians suffering from Post-traumatic stress disorder As at then. since it’s duly noted that PTSD is rooted in traumatic events.

The following statistics illustrate the percentage of people who will likely develop It after experiencing these traumatic events:

PTSD statistics by trauma

● Sexual assault: 49%

● Severe physical assault: 32%

● Serious accidents: 16.8%

● Shoot and stabbing victims: 15.4%

● The unexpected death of a loved one: 14.3%

● Parents of children with life-threatening illnesses: 10.4%

● Witnesses of violence: 7.3%

● Natural disaster victims: 3.8%(Sidran Institute, 2018)

This Article Aims to explicate the distinction between inherited and non-inherited trauma, providing an in-depth examination of their distinct features, causes, and consequences.

Dictionaries Definitions from Oxford languages Noun1. a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. “a personal trauma like the death of a child”

2. MEDICINE: physical injury. “rupture of the diaphragm caused by blunt trauma.”

What is trauma? 

The word “Trauma IQ“ may be used in two different contexts. In the physical context, it means a physical injury inflicted on a person by some external agent. In a psychological context, the term trauma means an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. The event may be the sudden loss of a loved one, an accident, rape, physical or emotional assault or abuse, or natural disaster.

This article aims at using the term trauma in a psychological context though. Trauma refers to your response following an event that psychologically overwhelms you, due to a person subjected to trauma may respond in several ways. They may be in a state of shock, extreme grief, or denial and changes in the body, mind, and behavior.

Apart from the immediate or short-term response, trauma may also give rise to several longer-term reactions in the form of emotional lability, flashbacks, impulsiveness, and strained relationships. Besides the psychological symptoms, trauma can lead to physical symptoms, such as headaches, lethargy, and nausea. Some people may be affected a lot more than others.

Such people may be entrapped in the emotional impact of the trauma and find it difficult to move on with their lives. As Aforementioned, Such long-term manifestation of trauma can lead to a psychological condition called PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder. Studies reveal that a qualified psychologist can help people who faced a traumatic experience, to recover from the experience and lead a productive life.

Trauma can be classified into three distinct types :

1. Acute Trauma Acute trauma It mainly results from a single distressing event, such as an accident, rape, assault, or natural disaster. The event is extreme enough to threaten the person’s emotional or physical security. The event creates a lasting impression on the person’s mind. If not addressed through medical help,study shows that it can affect the way the person thinks and behaves.

Acute trauma generally presents in the form of:● Excessive anxiety or panic● Irritation● Confusion● Inability to have a restful sleep● Feeling of disconnection from the surroundings● Unreasonable lack of trust● Inability to focus on work or studies● Lack of self-care or grooming● Aggressive behavior

2. Chronic Trauma Chronic traumaIt happens when a person is exposed to multiple, long-term, and/or prolonged distressing, traumatic events over an extended period. Chronic trauma may result from a long-term serious illness, sexual abuse, domestic violence, bullying, and exposure to extreme situations, such as a war. Several events of acute trauma as well as untreated acute trauma may progress into chronic trauma. The symptoms of chronic trauma often appear after a long time, even years after the event.

The symptoms are deeply distressing and may manifest as labile or unpredictable emotional outbursts, anxiety, extreme anger, flashbacks, fatigue, body aches, headaches, and nausea. These individuals may have trust issues, and hence, they do not have stable relationships or jobs. And studies show that Help from a qualified psychologist is necessary to make the person recover from the distressing symptoms.

3. Complex Trauma is a result of exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events or experiences. The events are generally within the context of an interpersonal (between people) relationship. It may give the person a feeling of being trapped. Complex trauma often has a severe impact on the person’s mind. It may be seen in individuals who have been victims of childhood abuse, neglect, domestic violence, family disputes, and other repetitive situations, such as civil unrest. It affects the person’s overall health, relationships, and performance at work or school.

Whatever be the type of trauma, if a person finds it difficult to recover from the distressing experiences, they must seek timely psychological help. Because A qualified psychologist can help the person with a traumatic experience lead a fulfilling life. However, Study Also reveals that trauma impacts both physically and emotionally.

The Physical and Emotinal Effects of Trauma.

Study reveals common situations that people find emotionally traumatic, such as:

● Verbal abuse ● Loss of a loved one● Bullying ● Living in high-stress areas ● Neglect ● Separation

However, Experiencing trauma can have a profound impact on one’s emotions and mental wellbeing. When you go through a traumatic experience, your emotions can become overwhelming and intense, leaving you with feelings of fear, sadness, anger, or confusion. Even long after the event has occurred, months or years later, these emotions can linger and interfere with your daily life and relationships.

A common emotional effect of trauma is a heightened sense of anxious. You may constantly feel on edge, anticipating danger and experiencing panic attacks. This constant state of alertness can make it difficult for you to relax and feel safe, even in seemingly ordinary situations.

For example, if One has been in a car accident before, one may become extremely anxious while driving, constantly checking one’s mirrors and feeling a sense of impending danger. This hyper-vigilance can make it challenging to do things as simple as walk down the streets or feel comfortable in crowds.

Another potential outcome of trauma is depression. The experience of trauma can leave you feeling helpless and hopeless about the future, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed. You might have difficulty finding joy or meaning in life. You may also feel guilty, shameful, and worthless.

Another emotional effect of trauma is difficulty regulating emotions. You may experience intense mood swings, going from extreme anger to profound sadness in a matter of minutes. You may also struggle to control your impulses or engage in self-destructive behaviors as a way to cope with emotional pain. Your relationships may become strained, as you withdraw or become irritable and easily angered.

You may also struggle with trust and have difficulty forming close connections with others. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation as you feel misunderstood or disconnected from those around you.

Although study shows that these behaviors are ways your brain tries to cope with the trauma, they can be extremely distressing and impact every aspect of your life.

The Physical Effects of Trauma

Studies reveal That When one undergoes a traumatic event, one’s body stress response system(BSRS) immediately activates and triggers a cascade of physical reactions. This can result in a variety of physical symptoms, including headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

Study Also reveals that, One of the most common physical effects of trauma is an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. When your body perceives a threat, stress hormones such as adrenaline are released, leading to a racing heart and elevated blood pressure.

While this response is crucial for survival during danger, it can be detrimental to one’s health if it occurs in response to past trauma. Studies show that prolonged stress and anxiety can weaken the immune system, making one more susceptible to illness.

Muscle tension and chronic pain are also prevalent physical symptoms of trauma. Stress and anxiety tend to cause muscle tightness, which can exacerbate the physical effects of past traumatic experiences. This can result in chronic pain and discomfort throughout your body over time.

Moreover, trauma can impact one’s digestive system, leading to digestive issues and even conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Trauma can disrupt one’s sleep patterns as well. Many individuals who have undergone a trauma experience insomnia or have difficulty staying asleep. Sleep can also be frightening due to nightmares about the traumatic event. Problems sleeping can further worsen the physical toll of trauma as it is vital for your body healing.

They can also impact cognitive functioning, making it challenging to concentrate, remember things, and make decisions. This can affect work or school performance and overall quality of life.

Additionally, chronic stress from trauma can cause weight gain or loss as stress hormones disrupt appetite and metabolism. Physical symptoms of trauma may go unnoticed or misdiagnosed, further contributing to the long-term effects of trauma on one’s overall health.

A CASE STUDY

(1) INHERITED TRAUMA (GENERATIONAL,INTERGENERATIONAL,TRANSGENERATIONAL, MULTIGENERATIONAL).

As a former student of History and international studies, now pursuing a degree in laws at the same “Better by far” University, I have Accurately witnessed some cases of inherited trauma Among co-students on campus.

Specifically, I’ve observed students exhibiting anxiety, depression, and avoidance behaviors, such as skipping classes or social events, due to unresolved historical traumas passed down through their families.

For instance, one student struggled with intense emotional reactions to certain dates of anniversaries, which were linked to traumatic events experienced by their ancestors. These experiences have sparked my interest in exploring the concept of inherited trauma, its effects, and ways to address it.

Intergenerational trauma is a trauma that’s been passed down between generations. It can also be referred to as transgenerational trauma, multigenerational trauma, or inherited trauma because a traumatic event can affect multiple generations, even if the trauma survivor’s descendants no longer deal with the initial issue that caused the trauma.

This may be hard to imagine, but your depression and anxiety could have its roots in seeds that were planted decades ago – even before you or your parents were born. This means, Generational trauma is trauma that extends from one generation to the next. However, study shows that intergenerational trauma can be evident in several examples that contribute to it.

Examples of Intergenerational Trauma

When it comes to inherited trauma there are some events that could birth it and serve as a longterm stigma to the descendants of such a family, examples which include:  ●Racism. ●Relational trauma. ●War, combat, or terrorism.  ●Forced separation from family. ●Famine.●Domestic violence.  ●Disasters. ●Poverty.  

These events may lead to anxiety, depression, and PTSD among the people directly affected by their effects. Then, those people may pass on their trauma to their offspring, and so on. One way that trauma passes down generations is through epigenetic changes. The theory is that trauma changes how your genes work. Then, those changes pass down to your children. Studies Also reveal that Intergenerational trauma comes in different types.

Multigenerational trauma can result from multiple sources, such as oppression, abuse, adoption, or any type of trauma that has been passed down from generation to generation. It’s important to note that adoption itself is not generally the source of trauma. The disruption in the caregiving relationships that occurs when a child is relinquished can create a traumatic event.  Types which are:

●Historical trauma ●Collective trauma

Historical trauma is a cumulative and multigenerational trauma tied to a major event, such as the The Biafra war(1967-1970), Colonialism and slave trade, Ethnic and Religious conflicts, Economic trauma. All these affect cultural, tribal, and ethnic groups of Nigerians as a nation, It is felt across generations, and some of us may not understand the symptoms we experience because some of these historic events happened to those before us, but the effects still pass down.  

For instance, The Biafran War (1967-1970): This brutal civil war led to the loss of millions of lives, displacement, and starvation, causing long-lasting trauma for the Igbo people and the nation as a whole.

Colonialism and Slavery: As a former History student of the University of ilorin, I learnt and came to know without any iota of doubt that The transatlantic slave trade and colonialism inflicted profound trauma on Nigerian communities, disrupting their cultural heritage, social structures, and economic systems.

Ethnic and Religious Conflicts: Recurring clashes between different ethnic and religious groups have resulted in significant human suffering, displacement, and trauma.

Economic Trauma: Nigeria’s economic struggles, including poverty, inequality, and corruption, have contributed to widespread trauma and stress. While COVID-19 is also a significant global health crisis, its impact on Nigeria’s historical trauma is still being studied and understood. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the pandemic has exacerbated existing social, economic, and health challenges in Nigeria, potentially contributing to ongoing trauma.

Collective Trauma Studies reveal Collective trauma as a trauma that affects a large group of people, potentially an entire society. For example, the 9/11 terrorist attacks which shattered the lives of people around the world, and later generations still feel the impact of this inherited trauma. Also, Environmental Disasters, Historical Events, Ongoing Conflicts, Socio-Economic issues. For instance, Environmental Disasters such as -Oil spills in the Niger Delta:

Study reveals That the devastating impact of this oil spills on the environment and communities in the Niger Delta has led to collective trauma and ongoing health problems.

Also, Historical Events such as: -The Women’s War of 1929: The brutal suppression of the Women’s War, a resistance movement led by women in southeastern Nigeria, has left a lasting impact on the collective memory and