Understanding Trauma
Trauma is a deeply distressing experience that can shake your sense of safety and disrupt how you feel, think, and relate to the world. It can result from a single event or ongoing situations, leaving lasting effects that often go unseen but strongly influence daily life. Complex trauma refers to prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events, often occurring during critical developmental periods, which can deeply affect emotional regulation and relationships.
​
Even when the immediate danger has passed, trauma can linger, making it difficult to move forward or trust yourself and others. The impact is often complex and personal, affecting many parts of your life.
How Trauma May Affect People
Physically
Trauma can cause your body to stay on high alert, leading to symptoms like chronic tension, headaches, fatigue, or sudden aches and pains. You might experience an exaggerated startle response, difficulty sleeping, or other physical sensations that feel out of your control.
Behaviourally
Trauma can lead to withdrawing from relationships or social activities, avoiding triggers, and struggling to trust others. People may have difficulty setting boundaries, become overly people-pleasing, or get caught in cycles of conflict and distancing. Some cope through risky or self-soothing behaviours like substance use or compulsive habits.
Emotionally
You may feel numb, overwhelmed, fearful, angry, or disconnected from your feelings altogether. Emotional responses can be intense, fluctuating, and sometimes confusing, leaving you feeling vulnerable, isolated, or unsure how to manage what arises inside.
Cognitively
Trauma often disrupts clear thinking and mental focus. You might struggle with intrusive memories, flashbacks, difficulty concentrating, or persistent negative beliefs about yourself, others, or the world around you. It can be challenging to make sense of your experiences, process your feelings, or feel hopeful about the future.