Trauma is a response to a deeply distressing event or series of events that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, causing feelings of helplessness, fear, or intense emotional pain. It can result from experiences like accidents, abuse, natural disasters, or loss, and may impact one’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Types of Trauma
- Acute Trauma: Results from a single, distressing event (e.g., an accident or assault).
- Chronic Trauma: Caused by prolonged exposure to harmful events (e.g., abuse, bullying).
- Complex Trauma: Stemming from multiple or ongoing traumatic experiences, often in interpersonal relationships.
- Secondary Trauma: Experienced by those who support or care for trauma survivors, like healthcare workers or family members.