Overcome Trauma
Resources
Common Sources of Neurodivergent Trauma
Intergenerational The toll of inherited trauma from past generations which received improper support.
Systemic Trauma from living in a world where others can be freely ignorant of our suffering and where systems are built without our needs or well being kept in mind.
Educational/Employment Trauma from being improperly evaluated and having accomplishments and strengths dismissed due to our neurodivergence.
Introductory Advice for Healing
- Healing from late diagnosis
- From one person who gets it.
What Is Trauma?
Our understanding of trauma has grown greatly since the common notion of “shell shock.” There are now multiple types of trauma being increasingly recognized and studied in medicine, and each is addressed differently. All of which can be felt at once, and some experiences can cause multiple types of traumas. As a vulnerable population which is susceptible to all three, it is important to understand each so that we can get the right support and develop the right strategies for the appropriate, dominant, cause of distress.
Moral Injury
“A moral injury can occur in response to acting or witnessing behaviors that go against an individual’s values and moral beliefs”(Sonya B. Norman and Maguen 2021).
Soul Injury
Initially introduced as an approach to navigate Indigenous trauma associated with the consequences of colonization. It is now becoming increasingly recognized by organizations like the US Veterans Affairs to describe and treat the loss of selfhood associated with cases like intergenerational trauma and combat.
(C)PTSD
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, we encourage you to get access to the support you need.
Post Traumatic Growth (PTG)
The result of struggling with highly challenging life circumstances. Developed by clinicians, it suggests that trauma can act as a catalyst for developing deeper inner strength, improved relationships, greater appreciation for life, new possibilities, and spiritual growth.
PTG does not mean ignoring distress, pain, or trauma. It often coexists with suffering and PTSD. Research commonly identifies five domains where growth occurs:
Appreciation of Life - A new perspective on what is truly important.
Relationships with Others - Deeper, more meaningful connections and increased compassion.
Personal Strength - A sense of being stronger than before the trauma.
New Possibilities - Pursuing new paths, interests, or paths in life.
Spiritual/Existential Change - A deeper understanding or, in some cases, a change in faith.
While it can happen, it is not purely passive; it involves active, intentional cognitive processing and integration of trauma.