How Do Men and Women React To Trauma?
Most people will experience a traumatic event during their lifetime. While trauma is often associated with war and abuse, many other events can result in trauma.
Traumatic experiences can include (but are not limited to):
Car accidents
Emotional abuse
Witnessing or being a victim of a crime
Domestic or sexual abuse
Childhood abuse
Loss of a loved one
Hate crimes/discrimination
Boiled down, trauma can occur after a highly emotional event. How individuals respond to trauma can be diverse, and several factors, including gender, can influence their coping mechanisms. While we all grapple with trauma in distinct ways, some general trends can be observed.
Signs of Trauma
It's important to understand the signs and symptoms of trauma. This list applies to both men and women, but it should be noted that each gender will respond to their trauma and symptoms differently. Symptoms of trauma include:
Nightmares
Flashbacks
Insomnia
Anger
Substance abuse
Social isolation
Difficulty focusing
Feelings of shame or guilt
Always feeling on edge
Easily frightened
Common Ways Men and Women React Differently To Trauma
Anger as a Coping Mechanism
In the face of trauma, some people resort to anger as a coping mechanism. Anger allows them to funnel other complex emotions like sadness, fear, or anxiety into a more manageable outlet. Men, in particular, are more inclined to adopt anger as a response to trauma due to their hormones such as testosterone which can increase their chances of being angry more often.
Women, on the other hand, tend to keep their emotions and what they are going through more contained.
Escapism and Substance Use
Many individuals seek escapism as a way to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic event. Substances offer a temporary respite from the intensity of the trauma, albeit at the risk of creating additional problems. Notably, men are more likely to turn to substance use as a coping mechanism, perhaps influenced by the perceived simplicity of this solution, especially if reaching out for support is discouraged or deemed unfavorable because they are men.
Self-Blaming and Self-Worth
Trauma can fundamentally alter one's perspective on themselves and the world. For some, it results in a decline in self-worth and self-blaming, even though they bear no responsibility for the traumatic event. This response is more prevalent among women, who might criticize themselves for their reactions or perceived inadequacies in handling the aftermath of the trauma.
External Support and Reaching Out
When confronted with trauma, some individuals find solace in seeking support from others, whether friends, family, or professional counselors. Women, in particular, are more likely to reach out for external support, and they may heavily rely on it to navigate through the traumatic experience.
From an early age, men are taught to keep their emotions to themselves and to "be a man." They are discouraged from expressing their thoughts and feelings because it is too "feminine." However, emotions and thoughts are not tied to any specific gender, everyone has them. There is nothing wrong with saying that you are struggling with something for your mental health.
Nevertheless, it's crucial to emphasize that seeking help and counseling is beneficial for everyone, regardless of gender, when grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic event. No one should feel isolated, and reaching out for assistance can lead to healing and resilience.
While reactions to trauma may vary among individuals, understanding the gender-specific tendencies in coping mechanisms can offer insights into how people process and navigate through these challenging experiences. Seeking support and professional counseling can be instrumental in facilitating healing and emotional recovery for all individuals impacted by trauma. Don't hesitate to reach out to learn more about trauma treatment.
