What is trauma?
Trauma is the response our mind and body can have to deeply distressing or frightening events, experiences that overwhelm our ability to cope. It might come from a single event, like an accident, an assault, or a natural disaster. It can also build up over time through repeated or prolonged experiences, such as ongoing abuse, neglect, family violence, or bullying.
Trauma is about the response, not just the event. Two people can go through the same experience and be affected in very different ways. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to respond to something overwhelming, and being affected by a traumatic experience is not a sign of weakness.
Trauma responses are normal responses to abnormal events. Whatever you're feeling, you're not alone, and support is available.
Trauma affects the body as well as the mind
After a traumatic experience, the brain's alarm system can stay switched on, even long after the danger has passed. This is why trauma can show up not just in thoughts and emotions, but also physically: trouble sleeping, feeling constantly on edge, tension, fatigue, or being easily startled. These reactions are the body trying to protect you.
Types of trauma
Trauma can take different forms depending on what happened, how long it lasted, and when in life it occurred.
Acute Trauma
Results from a single overwhelming event, such as a car accident, an assault, a sudden loss, or a natural disaster. The impact can be intense but is tied to one specific experience.
Chronic Trauma
Comes from repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events, such as ongoing family violence, long-term illness, or repeated exposure to distressing situations at work.
Complex Trauma
Develops from prolonged, repeated trauma, often interpersonal, and often beginning in childhood, such as ongoing abuse or neglect. It can affect how a person sees themselves, others, and the world.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A mental health condition that can develop after traumatic experiences. It can involve re-living the event through flashbacks or nightmares, avoiding reminders, feeling constantly on guard, and changes in mood and thinking. PTSD is treatable, and effective therapies exist.
Common Survival Responses
When we sense danger, our nervous system reacts automatically. These responses helped keep us safe, but after trauma, they can keep firing when the danger has passed.
Fight
Feeling irritable, angry, or quick to snap. The body gears up to confront the threat head-on.
Flight
Restlessness, anxiety, or an urge to escape, avoid, or stay constantly busy so feelings can't catch up.
Freeze
Feeling stuck, numb, or shut down. Difficulty making decisions or feeling disconnected from your surroundings.
Fawn
People-pleasing and putting others first to stay safe, difficulty saying no or knowing what you need.
How trauma can show up
Trauma affects everyone differently. Some common signs include:
In Your Mind
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks or nightmares
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Constantly scanning for danger
- Negative beliefs about yourself or the world
- Blaming yourself for what happened
In Your Emotions
- Feeling anxious, on edge or easily startled
- Waves of sadness, anger, guilt or shame
- Feeling numb, empty or disconnected
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Withdrawing from family and friends
In Your Body
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Fatigue, tension, headaches or aches
- Changes in appetite
- Racing heart or shortness of breath
- Using alcohol or other substances to cope
When is it time to seek support?
Many reactions settle naturally in the weeks after a distressing event, with the support of family and friends. It may be time to reach out to a professional if your reactions last more than a few weeks, feel like they're getting worse instead of better, or start interfering with your work, relationships, sleep or day-to-day life. You don't need to wait until things feel unbearable. Support can help at any stage.
Need support right now?
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For free, confidential support at any time of day or night:
Recovery is possible
Learn about the evidence-based therapies that help people recover from trauma, and how to take the first step.