When little things break us: rethinking stress and trauma
Recently, I came across an insightful post addressing people's misuse of mental health terms. One the comments I saw under that post stemmed a deep reflection in me.
The individual shared that an acquaintance or friend of theirs often misused the word 'Trauma;' that every little form of stress, the person would say "I'm traumatized."Now, I absolutely agree that people misuse mental health terms, especially words like “trauma.” But what if there’s more to it than misuse?I find both the post and the comments valuable and well-meaning. However, while my intention is not to counter or contend with them, I want us all to have deep honest reflections, as I share my own reflection: What if what feels like small stress to me is genuinely traumatizing to someone else, especially in societies where mental health is often trivialized?
What if my tolerance is not their tolerance?
What if the reason I don’t call it trauma is because I’ve stonewalled myself, built a strong mind, or numbed my emotions around it (specific situations)?
What if their sensitivity is not weakness, but simply a different nervous system response to pain?
What if calling it “just stress” makes someone silently invalidate their own suffering?
The truth is: trauma is not about the event itself, but about how the body, mind, and soul experience and process it.Sometimes, the thing I shrug off may be the very thing that shatters another. And sometimes, the strong heart I pride myself in having is really just a shield I built over years of survival.So maybe, sometimes, instead of quickly labeling others as “misusing” mental health language, we pause and ask: “What if it’s truly their lived reality?”Because healing begins when we validate, not when we dismiss.Have you ever felt invalidated or misunderstood before? Would you like to share your unique experience? We would appreciate this.I am Goodness Anthony from Parker Psychotherapy.
At Parker Psychotherapy, we offer nonjudgmental, empathetic, culturally responsive counseling/ therapy to all people with various mental health of diverse backgrounds, from children to the aged. We believe that every client's experience is worth hearing, honouring and healing.
Book an enriching session with us now. We are happy and ready to work with you through not only your challenges but also clarity, growth, resilience, and peace.
Goodness Anthony, (RP. Qualifying)
