How trauma can make you ask big questions.

Trauma is a person’s physical, cognitive, emotional or existential response that occurs after experiencing a distressing event or series of events (CAMH, 2022). As we have explored in this four-part series, trauma may manifest itself in many different ways. Some effects of trauma may be easily linked to the traumatic event (such as flashbacks or avoidance). Other effects may be more subtle and may grow or diminish over time.

Many clients arrive with persistent mental health concerns that seem disconnected from past events. In many cases, addressing root causes such as trauma can begin a deep healing process.  As Counsellors and Psychotherapists, we want to help you explore the effects of trauma so that we can use appropriate treatments and help you reset your life.

Existential Reactions to Trauma 

When a traumatic event occurs, it can cause a person to examine their existential values and beliefs. Immediately following a traumatic event, it’s completely normal to ask big questions. Thoughts may turn to one’s purpose in life or how it relates to their faith system. These are ways that humans process and make sense of distressing events. How a person handles those existential questions may begin to shape their outlook on life. Some may tend towards a negative view on humanity and spirituality while others may gain a new resolve to start fresh and prove their strength to others.

Below are some common existential reactions to trauma:

Immediate Existential Reactions to Trauma

• Intense use of prayer
• Restoration of faith in the goodness of others (e.g., receiving help from others)
• Loss of self-efficacy
• Despair about humanity, particularly if the event was intentional
• Immediate disruption of life assumptions (e.g., fairness, safety, goodness, predictability of life)

Delayed Existential Reactions to Trauma

• Questioning (e.g., “Why me?”)
• Increased cynicism, disillusionment
• Increased self-confidence (e.g., “If I can survive this, I can survive anything”)
• Loss of purpose
• Renewed faith
• Hopelessness
• Reestablishing priorities
• Redefining meaning and importance of life
• Reworking life’s assumptions to accommodate the trauma (e.g., taking a self-defense class to reestablish a sense of safety)

The attitudes and reactions listed here are normal human responses to any major change or life event. Experiencing a traumatic event can feel life-changing which is why so many question things like their existence, meaning in life, purpose, faith and beliefs.

A person may feel like their beliefs about themselves and life have quickly shifted which may leave them feeling lost or disconnected from reality. Over time, it may feel like changed beliefs are influencing negative attitudes, thoughts or behaviours. There are many ways to address these symptoms so that you can hit the reset button and feel more like yourself.

If you’d like to speak with a Counsellor or Psychotherapist, we’re here to help. Our team members are trained in various trauma modalities and would love to offer their assistance.

Our main office is located in Barrie and we also offer virtual sessions. You can use our online booking site to schedule an appointment today—no referrals needed

Sources: Briere & Scott, 2006b; Foa, Stein, & McFarlane, 2006; Pietrzak, Goldstein, Southwick, & Grant, 2011. Chapter 3, Understanding the Impact of Trauma. Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services.Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 57. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US). Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207191/