Trauma v. Drama: Learning How to Differentiate Stress Responses

Themes: PTSD, stress vs. trauma
Helpful for: anxiety, trauma, childhood trauma

One of the hallmarks of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the ongoing symptoms that mimic the reactions to a stressful situation. People may experience flashbacks, physical reactions, lack of sleep, anger, distrust, or avoidance. These symptoms can be long lasting and often pop up during everyday life. As time goes on, it becomes hard to distinguish between reactions to the traumatic experience and reactions to the normal, “everyday” drama that exists in life… so much so that I’ve often joked there should be a new diagnosis: Drama Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Trauma or Drama?

PTSD and trauma experiences are no joking matter, and I want to make that clear. PTSD is a very real diagnosis and life-altering. But, in my work with trauma survivors, I’ve noticed a few things. After the traumatic experience has passed and work in counseling has been done, some people still report symptoms of PTSD… alongside lots of dramatic stories from their everyday lives. I will never knock my clients for anything they’ve experienced. We can’t help it! But, I will call someone out if they continue to put themselves through dramatic situations. Because unlike a trauma, you have the choice when it comes to drama!

What to Ask Yourself

If you find yourself experiencing PTSD symptoms, it’s time to ask yourself a question: In your present life, how much of the responses you’re experiencing are from your traumatic experience? I’ve had clients look at me and say that they don’t think about it at all really anymore, so a small percentage. If that’s the case, the next question becomes: How many of your symptoms are happening because of the drama around you?

Real life drama or everyday stressors are still super valid experiences. I also want to make that clear - but we have a much clearer choice about how to respond and react to them. The drama around you will push on the traumatic experiences you have - and in a way, bring out the symptoms you’ve been relying on to cope for however long they’ve been around.

Familiar responses are safe. Those responses and reactions are a part of the person and it’s easier to make themselves feel that in a present situation than handle the drama in front of them. Remember, PTSD symptoms exist as a coping mechanism. Some crises in everyday life are real and big and stressful. But so many of those daily dramatic moments are manufactured to continue to elicit those responses again in someone for coping purposes.

So… what do you do with the drama?

Drama exists, that’s a fact. It’s easy to allow ourselves to get into that mental space. Instead of falling back on old habits and reactions, understand that you have more control and impact on your mental and physical health than you did before. Take the time to ask yourself what in the present moment is related to the trauma you experienced and what is from the drama. This simple question really allows you to differentiate between the various emotions you’re feeling - and how to move forward in a healthy way with more effective coping mechanisms.

Choose to eliminate the drama and understand the trauma will always be a part of you. Allow yourself to move forward in a better and stronger you!