Trauma

Trauma means ‘wound’. In medicine and psychology, it refers to major physical or mental injuries, including threats to life or physical integrity.

We experience trauma when a situation is overwhelming, inescapable and very frightening. This could, for example, an event (war or natural disaster) or a person physically, mentally or emotionally (sexual abuse, rape, neglect) threatening our life and integrity, We experience trauma when we lose control and are taken beyond what we can deal with (CPTSD or burnout).

The immediate response of the body and mind is to fight for survival. Most people will struggle with serious reactions after the event, such as intrusive memories, re-experiences, flashbacks, sleeping problems, isolation or withdrawal.

A traumatic event often changes how survivors understand the world around them. They may lose their sense of safety and feel vulnerable and helpless. If the event involved violence and the intention to hurt, they may no longer trust others and their relationships may be seriously disturbed. It is important to emphasise these are normal reactions to an abnormal event. The survivor is not ‘crazy’!

As Judith Herman put it, (1992, p.33) trauma is “a personal encounter with death and violence”. A ‘traumatic event’ is one that has the capacity to cause mental or physical trauma.

Back to Resources

Trauma

Trauma means ‘wound’. In medicine and psychology, it refers to major physical or mental injuries, including threats to life or physical integrity.

​

As Judith Herman put it, (1992, p.33) trauma is “a personal encounter with death and violence”. A ‘traumatic event’ is one that has the capacity to cause mental or physical trauma.

​

​

Sign up to receive latest updates and news about my work and upcoming events.