Professor George Bonanno, world-renowned trauma expert, challenges the cultural understanding of trauma. Topics include repressing memories, emotional trauma causing physical symptoms, coping mechanisms for breakups, resiliency, post-traumatic growth, addressing controversy, PTSD, and fixing modern psychology.
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Quick takeaways
Resilience is the norm for most individuals after experiencing trauma, with the majority being able to bounce back and lead fulfilling lives.
The definition of trauma has evolved over time and become more subjective, leading to confusion and blurring the lines between what truly constitutes trauma.
The overuse of the term trauma can undermine the seriousness of actual trauma, and it is essential to distinguish between genuine trauma and common difficulties.
There is a clear link between mental health and physical symptoms, with chronic stress impacting various physiological systems and causing physical health problems.
Deep dives
The Importance of Resilience in Overcoming Trauma
Resilience plays a crucial role in dealing with traumatic events. Many people believe that trauma should have a long-lasting negative impact, but in reality, resilience is the norm. Research shows that the majority of individuals can bounce back from traumatic experiences and lead fulfilling lives. Trauma shouldn't be dismissed, but it's important to recognize that not everyone who experiences trauma will be severely affected.
The Complex Definition of Trauma
The definition of trauma has evolved over time and become more subjective. Initially, trauma was defined as a violent or life-threatening event outside the range of normal human experience. However, it expanded to include more subjective reactions, leading to a broader definition. This expansion of the concept of trauma has caused confusion and blurred the lines between what truly constitutes trauma. It is important to be cautious about labeling every upsetting experience as traumatic, as it can minimize the experiences of those who have truly experienced severe trauma.
The Dangers of Overusing the Term Trauma
The overuse of the term trauma can have negative consequences. People now often label any distressing event as traumatic, even if it is simply upsetting. This cultural trend of seeing everyday struggles as major crises and self-diagnosing can undermine the seriousness of actual trauma. It may also lead to a sense of victimhood and a lack of personal responsibility. It is crucial to distinguish between genuine trauma and common difficulties to maintain the significance of the term.
The Connection Between Mental Health and Physical Symptoms
There is a clear link between mental health and physical symptoms. Chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of various physiological systems, causing a range of physical health problems. Prolonged stress affects the stress response system, leading to hormonal imbalances, immune system dysfunction, and psychosomatic symptoms. While not every stressor will have a lasting physical impact, understanding the potential influence of mental health on physical well-being is crucial for comprehensive healthcare.
Resilience is a common and normal response to trauma
Resilience is a common and normal response to trauma, with most people being able to adapt and recover. Research has shown evidence for resilience in various traumatic experiences, such as bereavement and trauma related to events like 9/11. The ability to be resilient stems from our evolutionary capacity to adapt and our brain's flexibility. While some individuals may face more challenges in coping, most people have the inherent tools and capacity for resilience.
The flexibility sequence and mindset are crucial for coping and resilience
The flexibility sequence, divided into motivation and the flexibility mindset, provides a practical approach to resilience. The flexibility mindset involves developing a belief in the ability to adapt and overcome difficulties. It includes challenge appraisal, where one focuses on the present moment and what needs to be done to move forward. Practical optimism plays a role, generating hope and the belief that things will be okay. The flexibility sequence also involves taking stock of the problem, setting goals, and utilizing coping strategies from one's repertoire. The key aspect is continuous re-evaluation and trying new approaches until successful coping is achieved.
Understanding the majority of people are resilient helps reduce anxiety and emphasizes individual experiences
Recognizing that resilience is the norm for most individuals can help alleviate anxiety surrounding traumatic events. Acknowledging that the majority of people cope well with adversity promotes a sense of reassurance and normalizes individual experiences. This understanding prevents people from feeling bad for feeling good and urges them to find their own unique ways of navigating trauma. It is important to note that while resilience is common, individual circumstances and coping strategies may vary, and professional help may be beneficial for those struggling to cope effectively.
Professor George Bonanno is a world-renowned expert on Trauma and has spent decades teaching at Columbia University in NYC. His opinions on the subject have gotten him in some hot water online too, as he believes our cultural understanding of trauma is incomplete and often incorrect.
Buy Professor George Bonanno's book "The End Of Trauma" here: https://www.amazon.com/End-Trauma-Science-Resilience-Changing/dp/1541674367
Follow Professor Bonanno here:
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/giorgiobee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giorgiobee/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-bonanno-610a0a22a/
00:00 Intro
1:20 Are You Really Traumatized?
16:37 What’s Wrong WIth Psychology Today?
20:44 How To Overcome Trauma
26:00 Repressing Memories
29:05 Emotional Trauma Causing Physical Symptoms / Psychosomatic Stress
47:52 Getting Over Breakups / Coping Mechanisms
54:23 Addressing His Controversy
57:55 Resiliency
1:05:20 Post-Traumatic Growth
1:11:30 Addressing His Controversy Pt. 2
1:15:27 PTSD
1:20:15 Fixing Modern Psychology
1:25:03 My Trauma
1:28:25 Social Media
Executive Producer and Host: Doctor Mike Varshavski
Produced by Dan Owens and Sam Bowers
Art by Caroline Weigum
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