What is Trauma?

In life we can experience particularly stressful, frightening, distressing, or horrific events, which can be called traumatic. Traumatic events can be experienced as intense, short episodes or as an on going event that happens over a long period of time, often when things are outside our control. 

The effect of trauma is experienced in the mind and body and can affect our thoughts, feelings, behaviour, relationships and perspective on life. 

The effects of the traumatic event or events can emerge long after the event has happened and these events can happen at any age and stage of life. Traumatic events are experienced differently for everyone. 

Trauma, therefore, is the imprint or legacy* that remains in our psyche following these events. It’s how we react to these events that is crucial for understanding how an individual can recover. 

*Term used by Janina Fisher PhD, a clinical psychologist and world-renowned expert in the field of trauma theory and practice.

Helpful contacts:

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/trauma/useful-contacts/