LEARN MORE ABOUT TRAUMA

Trauma is the lasting emotional and psychological impact of overwhelming experiences, that makes it difficult for the person to cope. Trauma is often rooted in childhood, that can manifest in both mental and physical symptoms throughout life. Trauma is a wound that disturbs one’s sense of safety in the world or their environment.

What Trauma Really Is

• Definition: Trauma is the body and mind’s response to an event that overwhelms coping capacity, leaving a person feeling helpless, fearful, or unsafe.
• Types:
  • Acute trauma – a single overwhelming event (e.g., accident, assault).
  • Chronic trauma – repeated exposure to distress (e.g., abuse, neglect).
  • Complex trauma – prolonged, often interpersonal trauma, especially in childhood.

How Trauma Affects the Brain

• Trauma activates fight, flight, or freeze response, flooding the nervous system with stress hormones.
• The brain may store traumatic memories in fragmented or sensory form, making them easily triggered later.
• Childhood trauma is particularly impactful because the brain is still developing; even if the event isn’t consciously remembered, the emotional imprint remains.

Common Causes of Childhood Trauma

• Separation from caregivers
• Abuse (physical, sexual, verbal)
• Domestic violence or unsafe home environments
• Divorce, neglect, poverty, bullying

Symptoms Experienced in Adulthood

Trauma can manifest in emotional, psychological, and physical ways:

Emotional/Psychological

• Guilt, shame, self-blame
• Mood swings, irritability, anger outbursts
• Isolation, poor social skills, relationship struggles
• Hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating
• Hopelessness, low self-esteem

Physical

• Sleep problems, nightmares
• Fatigue, confusion
• Racing heartbeat, agitation
• Muscle aches and chronic pain

Trauma vs. PTSD

• Not everyone who experiences trauma develops Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• PTSD occurs when symptoms persist for more than a month and interfere with daily functioning.
• Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative mood changes, and heightened reactivity.

Healing and Recovery

• Therapy approaches: CBT, Trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, faith-based counseling and other modalities.
• Support systems: Safe relationships, community, and spiritual practices can help re-establish trust and resilience.
• Self-care: Grounding techniques, mindfulness, journaling, and structured routines, and setting new boundaries.

In short: Trauma is not just about the event itself but about how the nervous system and brain record and respond to it. Childhood trauma can echo into adulthood, shaping emotions, relationships, and even physical health. With proper treatment and support, healing is possible, and many people regain a sense of safety and hope.