Written by: Joanne Docherty, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
It's become almost impossible to scroll through any of my social media timelines without running into a post or meme that refers to some small thing as a "trauma." Of course, I understand it's an attempt to express the feelings around these events. Still, it has become so overused that it completely belittles actual trauma.
For the millions of people who experience actual trauma every day, it is disrespectful to compare a disappointing meal to something like a car accident or significant loss. All experiences can be difficult and deserve recognition, but using the same word for both trivializes the real issue. It not only disregards those who indeed suffer, but it also can make them feel like their experiences are not legitimate.
Rather than trivializing severe trauma as “just another buzzword” on social media, we must learn to be honest about our feelings and find other words to describe what is happening in our lives. In the end, this respect for actual trauma will benefit us all.
Why Is Trauma A Buzzword?
It describes any unwanted experience, from someone overly critical of your work to something more serious like the death of a loved one. We have trivialized trauma by not sitting with our emotions and processing our experiences before labeling them traumatic. The word has been reduced to nothing but a buzzword ‒ a way to exaggerate our feelings and make light of difficult situations.
Trauma is a severe issue that should be taken seriously by all involved. Everyone experiences trauma differently, and its effects can be long-lasting. Unfortunately, by not taking the time to process our experiences, we are invalidating them and, in turn, denying ourselves the healing that these experiences can bring.
Why Do People Post Trauma On Social Media?
People turn to social media to express their emotions and seek validation. It can be a more accessible outlet than talking to someone in person, allowing people to garner attention and empathy from friends or family members. Unfortunately, this way of seeking comfort often leads people to overuse the word "trauma" when discussing their experiences.
Another reason people post-trauma on social media is to make light of the situation. We use it to mock life's more minor disappointments and exaggerate our feelings, often with humorous memes or posts. While this can be a beneficial way of coping, it should not come at the expense of actual trauma ‒ which is much more severe and deserving of respect.
In another light, the intent could be to get sympathy and attention from friends and family. People hope to invoke an emotional response from those around them by exaggerating the feelings around a particular event.
The next thing we know, everyone uses the same word to describe their experiences, and trauma loses its real meaning. Therefore, we must be mindful of how we use this word and remember that it should not be taken lightly.
When Did Trauma Become A Word?
What Happened To The Day When It Was Used Only In Serious Circumstances? Unfortunately, it has become a simple word thrown around lightly these days. It's as if people have no idea what actual trauma actually is.
It's not just me who notices this overuse of the term ‒ everywhere you look on social media, there are posts and memes about "trauma" over minor, everyday occurrences. It's become a way to make light of a situation or exaggerate the issues we face. But people don't seem to understand that using trauma so lightly is devaluing the reality of actual trauma ‒ what it means and how it can affect those who experience it.
When we use the word trauma so lightly, it desensitizes us to its true meaning and implications. As a result, we forget that it can be a debilitating experience that affects people mentally and physically for years afterwards. It's important to remember this when talking about trauma not to belittle those struggling with it.
What Can We Do To Stop This?
First, we can start by being more aware of our language when discussing our experiences. Try to be mindful of your chosen words, and allow yourself to sit with your emotions. This will help us process what we're feeling healthy, rather than relying on the term "trauma" as an easy way out.
We can also have more meaningful conversations about trauma and its effects. Ask questions, listen to others' stories, and be willing to learn about the experiences of those who have gone through actual trauma. We must open up these conversations and push for understanding, both personally and in our society.
Finally, take some time to reflect on what trauma means to you. Think about how you use the word and how it can affect others. Remember to be respectful of those who have experienced actual trauma, and don't allow yourself to trivialize their experiences by overusing the term "trauma" on social media.
By taking these steps, we can all make a difference in helping to restore the true meaning of the word trauma. We owe it to those who have experienced real trauma and ourselves to use the word responsibly and show respect for its real implications.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, I think it's time for us to take a step back and consider how we use the word trauma. Let's educate ourselves on what actual trauma is so that we can recognize it when we see it and treat it with the respect and sensitivity it deserves.
It is important to remember that trauma is more than just a word ‒ it's a serious issue and should be treated with respect. Social media posts can often trivialize real issues, so we must be mindful of our words when discussing our feelings and experiences. Taking the time to process our emotions before turning to a platform like social media can benefit us and those around us.
At the end of the day, it is essential to remember that our words have power and should not be used lightly. Everyone experiences pain and difficulty, but let's keep 'trauma' reserved for only the most difficult situations.
Joanne Docherty, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Joanne Docherty is a Mental Health Consultant and Trainer and the founder of Starra Education. She delivers accredited Mental Health training and qualifications to organisations and works with clients individually, all over the world. She sits on the Scottish Parliament Group for Mental Health and also teaches Psychology at The University of Glasgow. Joanne’s adverse childhood has been instrumental in shaping her career and she sits on the board for several non-profit organisations dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and families. Joanne has a passion for learning, a vocation to help people and a commitment to social justice that she weaves into all of the work that she does.
