The word “trauma” literally means wound, shock, or injury. Psychological trauma is a person’s experience of emotional distress resulting from an event that overwhelms the capacity to emotionally digest it. The precipitating event may be a one-time occurrence or a series of occurrences perceived as seriously harmful or life-threatening to oneself or loved ones. People process experiences differentl
What Is Trauma? (Plain Language Explanation)
Trauma refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Trauma
- Symptoms: The specific ways trauma shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen trauma
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When trauma occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Trauma
- Trauma is far more common than most people realize
- Trauma is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with trauma see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about trauma is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing trauma, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.