What is the root cause of trauma? Trauma, broadly defined, describes “an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.” Examples of experiences that can lead to trauma include exposure to violence, severe illness, natural disasters, and chronic poverty.
There are three main types of trauma: Acute, Chronic, or Complex
- Acute trauma results from a single incident.
- Chronic trauma is repeated and prolonged such as domestic violence or abuse.
- Complex trauma is exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature.
When trying to find Point of Origination for your trauma, it is important to classify the frequency of it:
One time: There is one intense experience that casts a shadow over your life and the quality of your life is adversely affected by it.
Multiple: If it is two or more incidences, whether connected or separate, they need to be reviewed individually as well as collectively for their aggregate affect.
Continuing: This could be a long-term illness and trauma is the normal way of life.
Generational: You might not have experienced trauma directly, but your grandparents or earlier ancestors have experienced. For example Holocaust.
Unknown: Usually there is a feeling that something happened during the childhood but you can’t remember any specific events that might have brought on sadness in your current life.
The purpose of identifying Point of Origination is helpful to navigate the strategies you can use while writing your memoir and understand their impact on your current life.
