What is Trauma?
Trauma refers to the emotional and physiological impact of experiences that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. These experiences may involve threat, loss, neglect, or ongoing stress. Trauma is not defined only by what happened, but by how the nervous system responded. Its effects can persist long after events have passed, shaping emotions, beliefs, and relationships in subtle or disruptive ways.
How Trauma Affects Your Life
Trauma can affect how safe the world feels. People may experience anxiety, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, or difficulty trusting others.
Daily functioning, relationships, and self image may be impacted. Trauma responses are adaptive, yet they can become limiting when the danger is no longer present.
What Causes Trauma?
Trauma can result from single events such as accidents or losses, or from prolonged experiences such as neglect, abuse, or chronic stress.
Even experiences that seem manageable to others can be traumatic depending on timing, support, and vulnerability.
Why Professional Help Makes a Difference
Trauma informed support provides safety, choice, and pacing. Therapy helps the nervous system process what could not be integrated at the time.
Therapeutic Approaches That Help
Somatic therapy, mindfulness, and trauma informed psychotherapy help restore regulation and a sense of safety. Work is collaborative and respectful.
Who is Affected by Trauma?
Trauma affects people across all cultures and ages. Many individuals live with unrecognised trauma responses.
What Recovery Can Look Like
Recovery often includes feeling safer in the body, improved emotional regulation, and greater connection with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does trauma always involve extreme events?
No, ongoing emotional stress can also be traumatic.
Is healing possible?
Yes, healing is possible with the right support.
Realistic Case Example
Nina, a 39 year old professional, experienced chronic anxiety without understanding its origin. Therapy helped her connect symptoms to earlier relational trauma.
Through somatic work and emotional processing, Nina reported increased calm and self trust.
Related Concerns
Next Steps
You do not need a diagnosis to explore trauma informed support. Healing begins with safety and understanding.