Survivors of Trauma Can Heal with Compassion

Physical trauma is the most obvious, but what may not be obvious are the long-term internal effects physical abuse can have - even to observers. Physical harm activates the survival mechanisms of the brain and, thanks to memories, can keep it active for much longer than the body can effectively handle.

Sexual abuse can be difficult to acknowledge or understand due to its prevalence in society and the part sex plays in romantic relationships. The effect it has on the psyche, however, is similar to physical abuse, with an addition of shame for unwillingness and/or unawareness.

Especially harmful in childhood, neglect and abandonment play a powerful role in the formation of attachments for the rest of the survivor’s life. The reactions to perceived abandonment can mimic some reactions to other forms of abuse/harm, such as chronic anxiety and depression.

Medical trauma often goes overlooked as something that cannot be helped. Yet, the effects of medical procedures and medical illnesses/disabilities are profound enough to have high comorbidity with anxiety and depression, as well as other mood, substance use, and personality disorders. Additionally, the pressure of needing to perform or recover to survive and be socially accepted adds shame and fear to these already life-altering experiences.

These two types of abuse overlap often, and either one can add up to a significant amount of mental health deterioration. This, combined with the fear of what could be lost if the survivor doesn’t yield to the abuse, (e.g., loss of job, home, family, or friends) creates a seemingly inescapable cycle of torture and helplessness.