What Is Trauma? Understanding the Impact & How to Heal

Trauma has become a widely used term in our cultural conversations—and for good reason. It’s something many people carry, often silently. But despite how common it is, trauma can be deeply misunderstood.

In this post, we’ll unpack what trauma really is, how it can affect your life, the difference between PTSD and complex trauma, and how therapy can support your healing.

Defining Trauma: It’s Not Just About What Happened

Trauma isn’t just about the event itself—it’s about how the experience impacted you.

What feels mildly distressing to one person might be completely overwhelming for someone else. Trauma is deeply personal. It’s any experience that:

Overwhelms your nervous system
Shakes your sense of safety
Disrupts your ability to trust yourself or others
Alters your view of the world

Trauma can stem from:

A single event (like an accident or assault)
A series of events over time
Or a long-term environment or relationship filled with fear, unpredictability, or emotional neglect

Understanding PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

PTSD is a trauma-related mental health condition that often develops after a specific, identifiable event. While originally recognized in war veterans, PTSD can affect anyone who has lived through something traumatic.

Common PTSD symptoms:

Flashbacks or vivid memories of the trauma
Nightmares
Panic or anxiety attacks
Feeling unsafe in places that once felt familiar
Hypervigilance (constantly scanning your surroundings for danger)

PTSD can make everyday life feel exhausting—and sometimes even unbearable. But these symptoms are your body’s way of protecting you. Healing means helping your nervous system feel safe again.

What Causes Trauma and PTSD?

You don’t have to experience combat to have PTSD. Trauma can result from a wide range of life events, including:

Common causes of trauma:

Experiencing or witnessing domestic violence
Surviving a natural disaster, school shooting, or major accident
Being bullied or physically/sexually assaulted
Working as a first responder, police officer, or healthcare worker
Living through global events (like 9/11 or COVID-19)
The loss of a loved one or pet
Unexpected life transitions or identity shifts

Even something like an unmet expectation or a lost dream can lead to trauma if it shakes the foundation of who you are or how you see the world.

PTSD vs. Complex Trauma (cPTSD): What’s the Difference?

While PTSD usually results from a single traumatic event, complex trauma (cPTSD) develops over time—often through repeated, chronic exposure to distress, particularly in relationships.

Key Differences at a Glance:

Aspect	PTSD	Complex Trauma (cPTSD)
Type of Trauma	One-time or isolated event	Ongoing or repeated trauma over time
Nature of Experience	Sudden loss of safety or control	Long-term emotional insecurity or instability
Emotional Impact	Intense and immediate reactions	Subtle but deep emotional struggles
Common Symptoms	Flashbacks, Nightmares, Panic, Emotional Overwhelm	People-pleasing, Guilt or shame, Struggles with boundaries, Disconnection from self
Development Pattern	Linked to a specific event	Develops over time in unsafe environments

You might not realize you’re dealing with complex trauma until you notice patterns like:

Constantly trying to keep others happy
Feeling like you’ve lost your sense of identity
Struggling to say no or maintain boundaries
Carrying shame you can’t explain

You’re Not Broken—You’re Surviving
Whether you’re experiencing PTSD, complex trauma, or you’re just starting to question how past experiences may be impacting you, know this: Your responses make sense in the context of what you’ve been through. You’ve adapted to survive. Now, you have the opportunity to learn how to feel safe, whole, and connected again.

Ready to Start Healing? Let’s Connect.
Healing from trauma doesn’t happen overnight—but it is possible. In therapy, we’ll work together to create a space where your story is honored, your nervous system is supported, and your healing can begin at your own pace.

Reach out today to schedule a free consultation or explore how trauma-informed therapy can help you reconnect with the life you deserve.

September 25, 2025