What is Trauma?

Survivors: Stronger Than Ever

If someone is having a hard time coping, it’s likely they experienced a traumatic event at some point in their life. Trauma is unique to each individual, but it can include:

  • Interpersonal violence such as abuse, domestic violence and bullying
  • Social violence such as war, terrorism and living under oppressive political regimes
  • Natural disasters and accidents such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and auto crashes
  • Chronic social stressors such as racism, poverty, humiliation and cultural dislocation
  • Childhood trauma such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect

People can also be traumatized if they witness distressing situations, and it can cycle from generation to generation if not stopped.

Trauma has lasting emotional ramifications – and studies have shown that even if the trauma did not inflict physical wounds, it can manifest itself in physical ways – anything from chronic diseases to a shorter lifespan. This impact makes trauma a public health issue.

learn more about being trauma-informed

build resilience to trauma

“Traumatic events challenge an individual’s view of the world as a just, safe and predictable place. Traumas that are caused by human behavior commonly have more psychological impact than those caused by nature.”

— American Psychological Association, APA Dictionary of Psychology

how you can help