Episode 2: Trauma 101 – Big T, Little t, or Mr. T

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Podcast: Wounds, Wisdom & The Word
Hosts: Doug & Jamie

Introduction

• Episode 2 opens with gratitude for the unexpected support and feedback from listeners after Episode 1.
• Title playfully references “Big T, little t, or Mr. T” to frame a discussion on trauma and its impact.

Defining Trauma

• Clinical definition: A deeply distressing or disturbing experience with lasting psychological effects.
• Practical definition: The lasting emotional, mental, and sometimes physical impact of overwhelming or painful experiences—“too big to handle at the time.”

Types of Trauma

• Physical – Bodily injury or harm.
• Emotional – Includes witnessing traumatic events.
• Sexual – Assault or abuse.
• Developmental – Neglect or abuse during childhood.
• Complex – Repeated exposure to trauma.
• Moral – Witnessing or participating in unethical/harmful acts.

Trauma’s Effects

• Always changes worldview – reshaping how people see themselves and others.
• Loss of control is often central to traumatic experiences.
• Example: 9/11 created lasting trauma for both direct victims and distant witnesses.

Stigma & Faith

• Some families and faith communities dismiss trauma and mental health struggles.
• Proverbs 1:7 (ESV) – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
• Therapy and science are not opposed to faith but uncover truths about God’s creation.
• Believers are encouraged not to ignore trauma or reject treatment.

Symptoms of Trauma

Physical: Chronic headaches, fatigue, back pain, appetite/sleep changes.
Emotional: Anxiety, depression, fear, guilt, shame, nightmares.
Cognitive: Trouble concentrating, memory issues, confusion.
Behavioral: Avoidance, hypervigilance, substance abuse, unhealthy coping.

Big T vs. little t

• Big T trauma: Sexual abuse, natural disasters, terrorism, war, severe medical events, sudden loss, neglect.
• little t trauma: Emotional neglect, perfectionism, people-pleasing, unhealthy relationships, bullying, parental pressure, infidelity.
• Trauma is relative: Impact depends on age, background, culture, and lived experience.
• Key insight: Trauma isn’t just what happened—it’s how it was processed and stored.

Trauma & the Brain

• Amygdala = alarm system.
• In trauma, the alarm gets “stuck on,” leading to hypervigilance and overreactions.
• Trauma alters brain chemistry, leaving people in constant fight-or-flight mode.

Coping & Addiction

• Many addictions (alcohol, drugs, food, porn, even Netflix) serve as numbing strategies.
• All activate the same dopamine/reward centers in the brain.
• Paul’s struggle in Romans 7:15–25 reflects the inner war between intention and harmful choices.
• The root problem isn’t always the addiction itself, but unresolved trauma beneath it.

Validation & Healing

• Traumatized individuals often lacked validation of their experiences.
• Validation means acknowledging pain while building resilience.
• Example: Responding to a bullied child with empathy and support, not dismissal.

Closing

• Doug shares his original poem “I Hate You Trauma”—an honest reflection on loss, grief, and hope in Christ.
• Reminder: Healing is possible, scars can bless others, and God provides strength and community.
• Teaser: Next episode will cover transgenerational trauma—“the gift that keeps on giving.”

Key Scriptures

• Proverbs 1:7
• Proverbs 23:9
• Proverbs 12:25
• Luke 21:34
• Romans 7:15–25

Takeaways

• Trauma is real, multifaceted, and affects everyone differently.
• It alters the brain and body, influencing choices and behaviors.
• Faith, therapy, and community are not at odds—together, they bring healing.
• Recognizing trauma is the first step toward reclaiming peace and purpose.