PTRC Grief vs Trauma

Grief vs Trauma
GRIEF	TRAUMA
Grief generally does not attack or “disfigure” our identity.	Trauma generally attacks, distorts and “disfigures” our identity.
In grief, guilt says, “I wish I would or would not have..."	Trauma guilt says, “It was my fault. I could have prevented it. It should have been me.”
In grief dreams tend to be of the person who died.	In trauma, dreams are about the child himself dying or being hurt.
Generalized reaction...SADNESS	Generalized reaction...TERROR
Grief reactions can stand alone.	Trauma reactions generally also include grief reactions.
Grief reactions are generally known to the public and the professional.	Trauma reactions, especially in children, are largely unknown to the public and often to professional counselors as well.
In grief, pain is related to the loss.	In trauma, pain is related to the tremendous terror and an overwhelming sense of powerlessness and fear for safety.
In grief, a child’s anger is generally not destructive.	In trauma, a child’s anger often becomes assaultive (even after non-violent trauma, fighting often increases).
A normal 6 year old's drawing of herself.	A traumatized 6 year old's drawing of herself.
*Trauma Reactions are DIFFERENT* from Grief Reactions Trauma Reactions OVERPOWER Grief Reactions Children can be traumatized by violent or non-violent incidents. Separation from a parent through divorce or foster care, a family member's terminal illness or sudden death, exposure to physical or sexual abuse, witness of drug use, house fire, tornado, flood, earthquakes or hurricanes, as well as drowning, murder, suicide, school violence can all be traumatizing incidents. Did this information help you? Your comments are important to us! Click here to give your feedback. Parents Trauma Resource Center** www.tlcinstitute.org • 877-306-5256 © TLC Institute 2004

This website is a service of The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC), a program of Starr Commonwealth. All information listed in this site is meant to be used as a guide only and not as a substitute for professional counseling. If you have questions that you would like to ask our TLC Certified Trauma Specialist on staff, or would like a recommendation for a TLC Certified Trauma Specialist in your area please call TLC toll-free at 877-306-5256 or email steele@tlcinst.org