Trauma is neither a disease nor a disorder. It is an emotional response to terrible events that can involve a threat to life, safety, or a situation that leaves you feeling frightened and helpless with or without involving physical harm. Shock and denial typically occur immediately after the event. Trauma leaves you stuck and may make it difficult to move on in at least some aspect of your life. If you've experienced a traumatic event, you may struggle with upsetting emotions, frightening memories or a constant sense of danger that you can't escape. You may also feel numb, disconnected or unable to trust other people.

Emotional and psychological trauma can be caused by one-time events, such as a horrible accident, a natural disaster or a violent attack. Trauma can also stem from ongoing, relentless stress, such as living in a crime-ridden neighborhood or struggling with cancer. A number of risk factors make people susceptible to emotional and psychological trauma. People are more likely to be traumatized by a stressful experience if they’re already under a heavy stress load or have recently suffered a series of losses. People are also more likely to be traumatized by a new situation if they’ve been traumatized before, especially if the earlier trauma occurred in childhood.

Traumatic experiences in childhood can have severe and long-term effects. Children who have been traumatized see the world as a frightening and dangerous place. When childhood trauma is not resolved, a fundamental sense of fear and helplessness carries over into adulthood. This sets the stage for further trauma. Childhood trauma results from anything that disrupts a child’s sense of safety and security, including

An unstable or unsafe environment Sexual, physical,or verbal abuse Separation from a parent Neglect

Domestic violence Serious illness Intrusive medical procedures Bullying

Following a traumatic event, most people experience a wide range of physical and emotional reactions. These are NORMAL reactions to ABNORMAL events. The symptoms may last for days, weeks, or even months after the trauma ended.                   

Emotional symptoms Shock, denial, or disbelief                                Confusion, difficulty concentrating Anger, irritability, mood swings                         Anxiety and fear Guilt, shame, self-blame                                  Withdrawing from others Feeling sad or hopeless                                   Feeling disconnected or numb

Physical symptoms Insomnia or nightmares                                    Fatigue Being startled easily                                        Difficulty concentrating Racing heartbeat                                             Edginess and agitation Aches and pains                                             Muscle tension

After you’ve been through a traumatic experience, it can take a while to get over the pain and feel safe again. Treatment and support can speed your recovery from emotional and psychological trauma. Just remember, whether the traumatic event happened years ago or yesterday, you can heal and move on.