What is Trauma, Really?

As a mental health counselor, I am honored to support my clients as they work through some of the most challenging and painful times in their lives. A lot of my practice is focused on the treatment of trauma. And oof, there is so much talk about trauma on social media and out in the world. But what are we all talking about? What does trauma mean? I’m hoping the following can clear up what trauma is, what it can be like to experience it, and what treatment can look like. The purpose of this post is not to assist in self-diagnosis, but rather to entertain and open space for curiosity about yourself and others’ experiences.

What is trauma? Does it mean you’re broken?

When we think of trauma, we may think of a certain event or situation, like a natural disaster, an act of violence, or childhood neglect. But trauma is not an event. Trauma is not what has happened to you. It is something that happens within you. Trauma occurs when your nervous system is stuck in overdrive. This can be caused by a wide range of experiences. Importantly, what may be traumatic for one person may not be for another. Trauma is personal, and its impact is shaped by a complex interplay of factors including past experiences, available support systems, and internal resources. One way to think about when trauma may show up are the ideas of ‘too long, too much, too fast.’

Our nervous system was designed to activate when we are in danger. When we interpret something as a threat to our safety, our senses intensify, our heart rate increases, and our bodies prepare for flight or fight. However, when we are exposed to a threat repeatedly, or too intensely, even if it is not truly life or death, this can cause the nervous system to remain activated, especially if we have limited resources to help us return to a balanced state. This sustained activation is trauma.

What are common trauma symptoms?

Trauma can affect multiple aspects of a person’s life, from their emotional well-being to their physical health. Some common symptoms include:

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks
• Nightmares or disturbed sleep
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Emotional numbness or detachment
• Depression or loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Irritability or anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on edge
• Avoidance of places, people, or situations that serve as reminders
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or gastrointestinal issues

Symptoms can emerge immediately after an event (or events), or may surface months or even years later.

Why can trauma feel so disorienting? Can it get better?

The trauma experience can be very confusing and can lead to self doubt and hopelessness. A person may know, rationally, that they are safe, but be unable to manage their intrusive thoughts and not know why. Some people experience trauma symptoms without ever realizing that trauma is at the root of their distress. It is common to label these symptoms as stress, burnout, or personality traits. This is particularly true when the trauma stems from chronic, less overtly “traumatic” experiences.

Identifying trauma responses as trauma-related can allow individuals to understand that their body and mind are reacting in adaptive ways to overwhelming circumstances. I have noticed that this understanding can reduce self-blame and provide clarity, helping people see their symptoms not as personal failures but as signals that support may be needed. Once people recognize the role of trauma, they can begin to make sense of their reactions, feel less alone, and take empowered steps toward recovery.

How can I find relief from trauma?

Therapy can provide a safe space to explore and understand the impact of trauma, develop coping skills, and implement strategies that allow your nervous system to reset. Modalities such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Somatic Experiencing, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) are some approaches that are specifically designed to address trauma. Healing is not linear, and it looks different for everyone. Trauma can change the way a person sees and moves through the world, and working through trauma can do the same.

If you think you may be experiencing trauma symptoms and want to see if therapy is the right next step, you can always schedule a 15-minute consult call or reach out via my website. I would be happy to provide referrals for other practitioners as well.  

Until next time,

Erin