I survived two abusive relationships back-to-back, and those experiences significantly affected me both physically and mentally. But what about other abuse survivors? Each individual’s thoughts, perspectives, and experiences are unique. Human experiences range from pleasant to distressing, such as trauma—making each person’s encounter with it distinct. They also say human beings are complex, but why is our conception of trauma awfully simple?

I once found myself subjected to verbal harassment by a former co-worker in my previous workplace, an experience that left me deeply uncomfortable. It’s bewildering to imagine anyone being comfortable working alongside someone who engages in such misconduct in a professional setting. When I bravely confided in my team leader about the situation, hoping for support, I was met with dismissal and disbelief. She suggested that my discomfort was merely an inability to “adapt” to the work environment, even accusing me of overreacting. It was shocking to receive such a response from a woman, who I had hoped would understand and stand by me. Having faced instances of sexual assault in the past, this ordeal felt like reopening old wounds. To make matters worse, the situation quickly became office gossip, amplifying the distress I was already feeling.

The situation described above made me realize that understanding this diversity in trauma experiences is crucial for fostering empathy and creating effective support systems. When we acknowledge that each person’s trauma is unique, we can better appreciate the complex ways it impacts individuals. Not only that, but it also informs how we build supportive communities and advocate for systemic changes that address the root causes of trauma. In this essay, we will explore the multifaceted nature of trauma, delve into the various ways it affects people, and discuss how social issues and systemic factors contribute to these experiences.

First, let’s define trauma. According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology (2018), trauma is any experience that results in significant fear, helplessness, dissociation, confusion, or other disruptive feelings that are agonizing. These experiences tend to have long-term negative impacts on a person’s attitude, behavior, and many other aspects of functioning. Traumatic events can be caused by human actions (physical injury, sexual assault, war) or natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, tornadoes), often challenging an individual’s view of a just, safe, and stable world. Janet (1889) classically characterized trauma as an inability to be “fully alive” in the present moment. However, knowing the definition alone is not enough. Trauma is complex and can significantly affect many aspects of someone’s life, including their physical health, mental well-being, and social relationships. Additionally, trauma doesn’t just impact individuals; it can also affect entire communities, especially those who are marginalized.

Trauma can have significant effects on the brain and the body. Our sensory system practically concerns how our bodies “exist” and relate to the physical world. When something scary or shocking happens, our brain and body quickly react together. For instance, if we encounter something scary and “outworldly” such as paranormal activities, our body might shake and sweat as a response to fear. But when we go through really tough experiences, like trauma, it can mess up this connection between our brain and body. In essence, trauma can be understood as an assault on the senses, where overwhelming multisensory experiences disrupt the brain’s ability to process and respond to threats (Kearney & Lanius, 2022). These experiences, whether acute or chronic, can severely impact one’s sense of safety, agency, and connection to their own body and others, particularly if past attachment experiences have been insecure (namely, child abuse or domestic/intimate partner violence).

Beyond its direct effects on individuals, trauma intersects with systemic issues like racism, sexism, and discrimination, amplifying its impact. Marginalized communities often face additional barriers to accessing mental health care, compounding the effects of trauma. Economic disparities further exacerbate these challenges, as insufficient resources hinder the ability to address trauma’s psychological and physical toll effectively (Mezzina et al., 2022).

Moreover, trauma extends its reach to entire communities, causing collective wounds that undermine social cohesion. Persistent exposure to violence, poverty, and discrimination erodes community well-being, fostering cycles of substance abuse and mental health struggles. How communities respond to trauma varies: while some find solace in shared experiences, others perpetuate stigma and discrimination, hindering healing and perpetuating cycles of harm. For instance, the recent internet debate surrounding the “man or bear” scenario, where women and survivors of abuse discuss their experiences of feeling unsafe around men due to past traumas, highlights this issue. Many participants in this debate expressed that they would rather choose a bear over a man, reflecting a deep-seated fear and mistrust rooted in their traumatic experiences, particularly those involving sexual assault by men. In contrast, many men argue that choosing a bear over a man isn’t wise, as it doesn’t make logical sense to them. This debate underscores the profound impact of trauma on perceptions of safety and trust within communities, and the ongoing need for empathy and understanding in addressing these complex issues.

Despite some recent changes in Indonesia, particularly in tackling major societal issues such as gender-based violence (GBV) with the new TPKS bill, these efforts have only scratched the surface and barely addressed the root problems. Many collective efforts are still needed to tackle the systemic issues that contribute to trauma. This includes addressing economic disparities, ensuring equal access to mental health services, creating supportive environments for all individuals, and pushing for trauma-informed care policies, especially those from marginalized groups. Just as Angela Y. Davis said from her book, Freedom is a Constant Struggle, “Sometimes we have to do the work even though we don’t yet see a glimmer on the horizon that it’s actually going to be possible.”

Before we push for even more collective action, we must all foster more empathy in order to understand how trauma is a complex and diverse issue. While it is inherently humane to have the need to live in a safe and comfortable place, it’s essential to recognize that trauma affects individuals in various ways and can stem from a multitude of sources. Educating ourselves about the experiences of those impacted by trauma and actively listening to their stories can deepen our empathy and drive our commitment to collective solutions. Through open dialogue, awareness-raising initiatives, and genuine efforts to understand one another, we can work together to address the systemic issues that perpetuate trauma and create a safer, more supportive world for all.