Understanding SAMHSA’s Concept of the Three E’s of Trauma
Trauma can have a long-lasting, adverse effect on a person’s life, and understanding the concept of SAMHSA’s Three E’s of Trauma is essential to effectively addressing the impact it can have. SAMHSA stands for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Three E’s of Trauma are Event(s), Experience, and Effect.
The Event(s)
The event(s) refer to the traumatic or stressful occurrence that has happened to the individual. This can be a single or multiple event, and it can be physical, emotional, or both. It can be a single incident or a series of events that have happened over a period of time. It is important to understand that these events can have a wide range of causes, including natural disasters, accidents, medical conditions, and abuse.
The Experience
The experience of the event(s) is the individual’s perception of the event(s) and is deeply personal. This can include a range of emotions and physical sensations, as well as the individual’s beliefs and values. It is important to note that how the individual perceives and experiences the event can greatly influence how they are impacted by it. For example, a natural disaster can be experienced differently by different people, and how it is experienced can have a significant impact on how it is processed and managed.
The Effect
The effect of the event(s) is the lasting impact that the event(s) can have on an individual’s life. This can be physical, psychological, emotional, and social. It is important to understand that the effect can be long-term and can manifest in a variety of ways. For example, an individual may experience physical symptoms such as headaches or body aches, psychological symptoms such as depression or anxiety, emotional symptoms such as anger or fear, and social symptoms such as isolation or avoidance.
Conclusion
Understanding the Three E’s of Trauma is essential to effectively addressing the impact it can have on an individual’s life. The event(s) refer to the traumatic or stressful occurrence that has happened to the individual, the experience is the individual’s perception of the event(s), and the effect is the lasting impact that the event(s) can have. It is important to understand that how the individual perceives and experiences the event can greatly influence how they are impacted by it, and that the effect can be long-term and can manifest in a variety of ways. With this understanding, individuals can begin to take steps to address the impact of trauma and begin to heal.
