The Interrelationships between Life Crises, Stress, Trauma, and Traumatic Stress
As it relates to the behavioral sciences, the term stress may possibly be best understood when differentiated from the modern vernacular of adversarial events versus the direct impact of situations or circumstances that have pervasive and/or long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental health at various stages of their life span. According to Levers (2022), simply put “stress is a reality of existence” (p. 49). Postmodern culture being what it is, has arguably increased the magnitude and levels of stress associated with daily living. Levers (2022) further contends that from a definition perspective, crisis takes on paradoxical and semantic connotations that incorporate both degrees of illness and situations requiring intervention. From a broad-based mental health perspective, and more specifically a traumatology intervention or crisis counseling perspective, the foregoing sematic considerations may affect how these life challenges are dealt with.
Trauma, as a phenomenon, perhaps can best be described as somewhat contextual while encapsulating an ongoing process of evolution (Briere & Scott, 2015). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM–5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013), trauma may be interpreted as some form of exposure to actual or potentially death threatening situations that may be associated with some kind of serious physical injury and/or sexual violence. From a contextual perspective, the situations and circumstances under which trauma may be experienced include: (a) direct encounter(s) with the previously mentioned events, (b) being present when a traumatic event occurs, (c) learning of or finding out about a specific violent or accidental traumatic event or series of events typically associated with a close friend or family member or (d) being repeatedly exposed to trauma, particularly in relational to daily activities associated with one’s occupation or career (APA, 2013). As it relates to traumatic stress, Briere and Scott (2015) contend that an event may be deemed traumatic if it is extremely upsetting and sufficiently overwhelms an individual’s internal resource capability, thereby resulting in inhibited functioning and that results in lasting psychological symptoms. There continues to be significant discussion and diverse interpretations as to what defines traumatic stress (Briere & Scott, 2015; Levers, 2022).
Another consideration that continues to engage scholars is trying to better understand the impact that trauma has on both individuals, communities and societies. According to Spence et al., (2019), there continues to be considerable discussion and debate as to what constitutes trauma. As such, are there possible differentiations in relation to how ordinary negative events may impact an individual versus communal and/or societal impacts and/or vulnerabilities? From a contextual perspective are some individuals or ethnic groups more prone to physical, mental, emotional and/or psychological vulnerabilities? According to Briere and Scott (2015), Hispanics and African Americans in the military, were also more likely to be exposed to high combat stress than whites.
From a traumatology perspective, where does this leave clinicians regarding applicable client interventions? According to Froerer et al., (2018) SFBT supported with effective client management provides a conceptual, comprehensive, and practical approach for trauma intervention. I submit that intentionally adopting a lifestyle of self-care geared to lessen stress, whether it means asking other people to share your burdens or using stress management techniques may also be considered. Other therapeutic approaches such CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), EDMR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy may also be considered and employed by practitioners.
Lastly, techniques such as mindfulness meditation, or deep breathing, healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep each night may provide viable therapeutic intervention options. In addition, short-term crisis counseling may be helpful when an individual is coping with something overwhelming or traumatic. The purpose of crisis counseling is to deal with the prevailing mental health of the individual dealing with a crisis. As such, chronic exposure to stress or trauma can lead to mental illness and crisis counselors have skills and knowledge that may help clients cope with current stressors and trauma.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Briere, J. & Scott, C. (2015). Principles of trauma therapy: A guide to symptoms, evaluation, and treatment (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Froerer, A., von Cziffra-Bergs, J., Kim, J., & Connie, E. (2018). Solution-focused brief therapy with client managing trauma. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Levers, L. L. (2022). Trauma counseling: Theories and interventions for managing trauma, stress, crisis and disaster. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
Spence, R., Kagan, L., & Bifulco, A. (2019). A contextual approach to trauma experience: Lessons from life events research. Psychological Medicine, 49,1409-1413. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291719000850.