5 Common Myths About Trauma

As a society, we have become much more open to understanding mental health and the impact of trauma. Thankfully, some of the stigma that existed around these things when I started my career 20 years ago has begun to dissipate.

However, there are still lots of misconceptions about what trauma is, how it affects us, and what recovery looks like. Today, I want to walk you through some common myths and explain why I think they’re misleading.

What Everyone Gets Wrong About Trauma - 5 Common Myths

1. It’s Only Trauma if There Was a Big, Dramatic Event

Many people think trauma has to be something extreme like surviving war, a natural disaster, or a car accident. While these things are traumatic, this isn’t the whole picture.

Ultimately, it’s not the type of event that determines whether something is traumatic – it’s the impact of the event or experience that matters. Trauma can even stem from things that DIDN’T happen such as neglect, a lack of emotional safety, or being dismissed and ignored. Read Hidden Causes of Trauma – Understanding the Impact of What DIDN’T Happen to learn more.

What I Want You to Know…

Whatever you did or didn’t experience, if it left you feeling unsafe or unseen, or it changed the way you see yourself, it counts as trauma.

2. Other People Have Been Through Worse, So I Shouldn’t Be Having Such a Hard Time

People often downplay their own distress because other people have it worse, but that’s not how trauma works. Comparing the good things in your life with the bad things that have happened to you will only ever leave you feeling invalidated.

What I Want You to Know…

Somebody else’s pain doesn’t make your pain any less valid.

3. If I Ignore the Problem for Long Enough it Will Go Away

Trauma doesn’t go away over time, and our brain doesn’t forget the unprocessed memories. Instead, they sit there blocking our ability to move forward. In many ways, the longer you ignore trauma, the worse it gets. Often, we develop unhelpful strategies for coping.

What I Want You to Know…

There’s a reason avoidance is part of the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Ignoring your pain might seem like a simple fix, but it often leads to more problems in the long run.

4. Therapy Always Makes Things Worse Before They Get Better

I’m not going to lie – therapy can be tough. It takes a really brave person to face difficult stuff from the past. However, good therapy is paced in a really thoughtful, careful way. It usually starts with some preparation and education to help you manage the work we’re going to embark on.

What I Want You to Know…

Therapy can be challenging, but we’ll work hard to make sure you don’t feel completely overwhelmed. We can go at your pace and still get the work done.

5. I Will Never Recover Because I’m Permanently Broken

People often believe they’re stuck with their problems forever because they’re intrinsically damaged or broken beyond repair. This is hard to hear, especially as someone who does this job because they care deeply about other human beings.

Thankfully, our brains have this wonderful ability known as ‘neuroplasticity’ which means they’re constantly updating. Therapy can help you form new networks and connections in your mind, allowing you to feel differently, see yourself differently, and find new ways of doing things.

What I Want You to Know…

Trauma is like any other wound, and wounds do heal with the right treatment.

Why It’s Important to Dispel These Myths

Misconceptions like these stop people from coming to therapy. They also prevent therapists from providing treatment that works. This is why I’m so passionate about dispelling some of the myths around trauma. I want to remove any barriers that might stop people getting the help they need to heal.

Find Out More

If you’re struggling with any of the things described in this article and you’d like support to help you heal and recover from trauma, please get in touch. Alternatively, subscribe to The Trauma Toolbox to receive my insights and tips straight to your inbox every month. I also share lots of support via Instagram.