Casual catch-up turned heavy and triggering? Expert explains trauma dumping and shares tips on how to avoid it

Humans are social animals, so the innate compulsion to socialise and share is irresistible. In an interview with HT, Dr Arti Anand, Senior Consultant of Psychiatry at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, explained more about trauma dumping and how to avoid it. Dr Anand said, “Trauma dumping happens when you don’t want to or have the ability to self-reflect or bring responsibility and accountability to your side of the story. Dr Anand explained,"Trauma dumping seems very easy and simple way to express one side of a story without getting judged, reprimanded or belittled." The first is to find such listeners, as Dr Anand added: “People look for empathetic and good listeners for their trauma dumping, as empathetic and sensitive individuals would feel sorry for them and genuinely try to help them.” Their sob story makes the listener feel pitiful but as Dr Anand pointed out many people take empathetic people individuals for granted, using their warmth and compassion for selfish reasons.