Experts discuss impact of trauma discourse on childhood experiences in Finland

The concept of “trauma” is increasingly prevalent in various discussions, including school-related issues such as lunch and physical education. Many parents today worry about unintentionally traumatizing their children. Psychologist and doctoral researcher Anne Haikola expresses concern that the growing discourse around trauma may diminish the significance of common, negative life experiences.

Haikola asserts, “If everything negative is labeled as trauma, life is expected to be continuously happy, joyful, and wonderful. Life also includes pain, suffering, and difficult situations.” While she does not wish to dismiss the challenges of everyday adversities, she argues that if normal life is considered traumatic, it leaves no term to describe the experiences of victims of war, torture, and rape.

In psychiatry, trauma is associated with extraordinary events that threaten a person’s life or safety, where their usual coping mechanisms fall short. Kristian Wahlbeck, a leading expert at Mieli Ry, notes that the normalization of trauma has been recognized within the organization, stating, “Everyday adversities are discussed as if they were exceptional phenomena requiring treatment.” This, he warns, may lead individuals to become passive seekers of help rather than active participants in their lives.

Despite differing opinions among experts on the origins and definitions of trauma, there is agreement that numerous individual and environmental factors influence a person’s experience. Symptoms of trauma-related stress disorder can include hyperarousal, mood disturbances, and avoidance behaviors. Psychological trauma can result from horrific events, and treatment often occurs through psychotherapy. Prior mental health issues can also predispose individuals to trauma.