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Trauma

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Trauma is the experience of severe psychological distress following any terrible or life-threatening event or series of events. Small ‘t’ traumas tend to be overlooked by the individual who has experienced the difficulty. This is sometimes due to the tendency to rationalize the experience or incident as 'normal' and therefore shame oneself for any reaction that could be construed as an over-reaction or being “dramatic.” Individuals who have experienced small 't' trauma may develop emotional disturbances such as extreme anxiety, anger, sadness, guilt, shame or PTSD. Individuals may experience ongoing problems with sleep or physical pain, and having difficulty in their personal and professional relationships.

Small ‘t’ Traumas

Small ‘t’ traumas are experiences or incidents that exceed our capacity to cope and cause a disruption in emotional well-being and functioning. These distressing events are not life threatening, but may be better described as 'ego-threatening' due to the individual feeling a sense of helplessness. Some examples include:

Interpersonal conflict
Infidelity
Divorce
Abrupt or extended relocation
Legal trouble
Financial worries or difficulty

Large ‘T’ Traumas

A large 'T' trauma is defined as an extraordinary and significant event that leaves the individual feeling powerless and feeling as if they have little control in their environment. Some examples include:

Terrorist attack
Sexual assault
Incidents in military combat
Car or plane accident
Natural disaster

With large 'T' traumas, the individual tends to more overtly and decisively engage in actions that are classified as avoidant. Individuals may deliberately avoid phone calls from investigators, bury clothing or memorabilia associated with the trauma, or avoid crowded places. Individuals who have experienced just one large ‘T’ trauma is often enough to cause severe distress and interfere with their daily functioning, and the effect is intensified the longer avoidance behaviors continue without therapeutic intervention.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% are receiving treatment.
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.
GAD often co-occurs with major depression.

Panic Disorder(PD)

PD affects 6 million adults, or 2.7% of the U.S. population.
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

SAD affects 15 million adults, or 6.8% of the U.S. population.
SAD is equally common among men and women and typically begins around age 13.
According to a 2007 ADAA survey, 36% of people with social anxiety disorder report experiencing symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help.

Specific Phobias

Specific phobias affect 19 million adults, or 8.7% of the U.S. population.
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.
Symptoms typically begin in childhood; the average age-of-onset is 7 years old.

Treatment For Anxiety

Psychotherapy or “talk therapy” can help people with anxiety disorders. To be effective, psychotherapy must be directed at the person’s specific anxieties and tailored to his or her needs.