The voice of trauma - how trauma speaks
Like the word trauma, this post is no easy task to write about. Yet, I think that there is a great need to bring it up. Trauma has a voice that dwells in those who are afflicted by it. You might think that you have no impact from a rather disturbing time in your life, but I beg to differ. You just have a lack of awareness for it, a lack of ability to notice its voice speaking to you.
This sounds polarising, and I agree. Truthfully, I intend for this to be thought-provoking. Trauma is a taboo word, noted for bad things that happen to people, horrific things so significant in fact, that they are rendered unspeakable. However, just because you do not speak of it, does not mean it will not speak for you. You might be surprised by what trauma sounds like.
Fun fact, research has shown us that cultural differences play a role in how stress speaks. Within more collectivistic societies, namely those with a more “it takes a village…” mentality, we see stress as exemplified by notable psychosomatic symptoms. To simplify, it just means that many people here experience actual, physical pain around their bodies.
Now, trauma is simply an incredible amount of stress stemming from a very unnerving experience. So, it is no wonder that I have heard many complaints from clients about things like headaches, and spasms that have suddenly popped up. Another way for trauma to express itself is through our interactions with others around us.
Trust, security, and safety are some of the things that come up when dealing with a relationship of any kind. When trauma gets involved, these elements become overshadowed by the burden of that on the person. All it takes for trauma to take control and influence you is a simple triggering word, action, response, behaviour, or event.
Therefore, the voice of trauma shows up in the physical and emotional realms of our being. You can even experience both at the same time, physical pain and emotional suffering. I have witnessed stories of how people push what they care about away with harsh words, only to realise the immense guilt and confusion that comes afterward.
They become helpless to the voice of trauma, but it is speaking for a reason. I advocate that we listen to it. Pay attention to how loud it is, and what it looks like. Then, proceed to make a note of it and start a conversation with trusted people in your life. Conversations like that will be very hard. Shame and guilt are only some examples of what might bubble up from it.
That said, you will find more freedom and relief too. I hope this has been insightful for you to read about how trauma speaks. I hope you will learn how to listen and reply to it. If you will like more support with that, reach out or book online. We are ready to help you understand your trauma voice when you are.
