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Did you know that more than 90% of people experience some form of trauma in their lives, be it physical, emotional, or mental? We often walk around carrying these invisible burdens, pretending everything is fine while pushing through each day. It is astonishing how many of us deal with trauma, yet we rarely talk about it.
Global statistics state around 1 billion people live with mental health disorders, most of them stemming from traumatic experiences. 1 And the worst part among this is that trauma can take peculiar forms and ways we might not even realise.
On World Trauma Day, the world accepts that trauma isn’t just something to get over but a reality many face daily. By acknowledging mental health, this day focuses on creating a culture where it is perfectly fine to talk about the struggles and seek trauma support. Let’s take a closer look at understanding trauma, its effects, and the journey toward trauma recovery.
What is World Trauma Day?
World Trauma Day, to be observed on October 17th, serves as a solid reminder of the impact that trauma has on individuals and communities globally. This day was established to highlight the different forms of trauma individuals can experience, be it accidents, natural disasters, violence, or abuse. This year, the World Trauma Day theme 2024 is “Workplace Injuries: Prevention & Management”. It is all about reducing the trauma injuries that take place in different industries. It's all about preventing avoidable injuries caused by falls, burns, violence, accidents, fires, etc.
The Significance of World Trauma Day
It is a common belief that people can simply “get over” traumatic experiences. But the fact is that trauma is not just a momentary setback but a psychological wound that can linger and shape lives in unexpected ways. With time, trauma often manifests in debilitating conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies state about 70% of individuals on a global note will experience a traumatic event at some point in their life.2 However, only 5.6% of them will develop PTSD. While it may seem unlikely, the fallout of trauma can ripple through families, communities, societies, and across generations, making it even more important for us to engage in open discussions about its implications.
Moreover, one of the most alarming impacts is the increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Individuals grappling with unresolved trauma often find themselves in a dark place, feeling isolated and hopeless. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 700,000 people die by suicide each year, with many of these individuals having experienced significant trauma in their lives.3
Moving forward, trauma can also lead to anxiety disorders and substance abuse. If we talk about the current global situation, anxiety disorders remain the most common mental health problem, affecting 301 million individuals back in 2019. 4 That makes 4% of the global population, a figure that has only multiplied in recent times.
Unresolved trauma can also lead to depression, which affects around 264 million people on a global note, as stated by WHO. What’s even more dangerous is that around 850,000 deaths are registered under depression each year. 5 The chain between trauma, depression, and substance abuse is a vicious cycle which makes the cause even more alarming. All of this makes trauma awareness extremely necessary.
Understanding PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after going through or witnessing a traumatic event. The symptoms can be overwhelming and often involve:
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks about the trauma.
- Avoidance behaviors. Here, people avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma.
- Negative changes in mood lead to a feeling of hopelessness or detachment from loved ones.
- Hyperarousal, resulting in heightened anxiety, irritability, or difficulty sleeping.
Once again, the statistics prove it all. Research shows that around 25% of those displaced during the hurricane struggled with PTSD, depression, or anxiety. 6 Sometimes, the survivors of domestic violence or assault may also develop PTSD, which can further lead to long-term emotional and psychological challenges. Numbers state around 51-75% of women develop post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD, particularly those who experience violence. 7
What are the Unaddressed Effects of Trauma?
Generally, this is where the problem begins. Most individuals suffering from trauma and PTSD do not seek help, either due to the stigma or a lack of resources. That is when another condition develops: substance abuse.
However, when an individual experiences a mental health condition (bipolar disorder, anxiety, or depression) and also has a substance abuse problem, the condition worsens. Such cases are referred to as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. Usually, drug addiction, alcoholism, or substance abuse can create major complications in itself. Herein, things get even worse when that individual struggles with unhealed trauma. Around 50% of people with severe mental illness have a history of substance abuse. 8
But this doesn’t end here. The consequences of unaddressed trauma extend beyond mental health, thereby affecting physical health. Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD are at a higher risk of developing conditions such as:
- Cardiovascular Disease: Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to elevated blood pressure and heart disease.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Stress from trauma starts compromising the immune system, thereby leading to inflammatory diseases.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have also been linked to stress and trauma.
What is the Process of Trauma Recovery?
Mental health plays an important role in the recovery process. It is essential to recognise that mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are not just byproducts of trauma but can also complicate the recovery journey.
Globally, 1 in 8 people live with mental health issues, with trauma being a contributing factor. 9 All of this reveals how common these challenges are, and yet are unaddressed. The World Trauma Day addresses this issue and creates an environment for trauma awareness and support.
Moving Forward: What Can You Do?
As we observe World Trauma Day, here’s how you can contribute to raising awareness and building a supportive environment to help with the cause:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is power! Understanding trauma, its impact, and its consequences can help you support those who may be struggling.
- Promote Mental Health Resources: Share as much information as you can about local mental health services and hotlines. You never know who might need that information.
- Listen to Them: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is listen. Reach out to friends and family first. You will be surprised to see how well everyone is hiding some kind of trauma beneath their smiling faces. Creating a safe space for individuals to share their experiences can be incredibly healing.
- Advocate for Change: Support initiatives that promote trauma-informed care in your community. Be it through volunteering or advocating for certain policy changes. Remember, your voice matters.
- Raise Awareness on Social Media: Share educational posts, infographics, banners, digital media, art, and videos about trauma care, prevention, and mental health recovery. Use relevant hashtags like #WorldTraumaDay.
- Organise a Mental Health Workshop: Focus on the emotional aspects of trauma. Offer resources on coping strategies and mental health support for those affected. Reach out to professionals who offer trauma therapy and trauma counselling.
- Donate to Trauma Centres or NGOs: Contribute funds or resources to hospitals, trauma centres, or organisations working to support trauma survivors.
- Share Survivor Stories: Highlight personal stories of recovery. Create a platform. Ask others to inspire and offer hope to people facing the same level/initial stage of trauma. Listening to these stories creates a sense of belonging and doesn't make them feel they are alone in this.
- Launch a Social Media Campaign: This is the best part. Collaborate with influencers or healthcare professionals to spread trauma awareness, prevention tips, and other helpful resources.
Wrap Up
World Trauma Day reminds us that trauma is indeed a delicate yet complex issue that affects millions. By raising awareness, providing sufficient support, and promoting open discussions, we can help those affected begin their healing journeys.
Yet again, in the face of trauma, the journey to recovery often comes with significant financial burdens. The cost of trauma therapy, mental health support, or trauma counseling can quickly add up, making it quite challenging for many to access the help they need. Not to mention, the physical aspects of developing any chronic health issues come with another set of hefty bills.
This is where Care Health Insurance steps in,offering comprehensive plans that reduce the financial stress associated with availing healthcare services owing to a medical issue. In the end, investing in your mental health is just as crucial as any other aspect of your well-being. Having the right insurance can make all the difference in accessing the necessary support and resources during difficult times.
>> Also Read: Does your Insurance Cover Mental Therapy?
Disclaimers: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
