Trauma refers to psychological damage or injury that can occur as a result of experiencing or witnessing a highly stressful, frightening, or distressing event. Some key things to know about trauma:
It can be caused by a single, intensely traumatic event (e.g. an accident, natural disaster, assault, etc.) or by prolonged exposure to traumatic situations (e.g. abuse, neglect, war, etc.).
It can lead to a range of mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, phobias, etc. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbing, and avoidance of trauma-related triggers.
The impact of trauma can be profound, affecting a person’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall functioning. It can disrupt a person’s sense of safety, trust, and control.