Defining Trauma

Most people, when they hear the word "trauma" assume the term refers to someone else, someone who has experienced severe abuse or violence or who has lived through a natural disaster. However, almost everyone has experienced some type of trauma in their lives. So what is trauma? Trauma is an emotional response to a severely distressing event or series of events that overwhelms an individual’s ability and capacity to cope. Anything that interrupts the integration of the emotions involved in the experience would be considered traumatic. Have you ever been through an experience where you emotionally shut down? Have you felt what it is like to be in a temporary state of shock, where you can't seem to organize your thoughts or make sense of what you are feeling? Have you ever lost someone you loved? Then you will gain insight into your experience here! Check in each week on Thursdays for new insights into trauma, grief, and loss.