As defined by the American Psychological Association trauma is
“an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.”
Though trauma can be dealt with this is not something anyone wants to go through. Especially since trauma can leave lasting negative effects on both mental and physical health. Though the definition above focuses on very traumatic events such as rape and natural disasters things such as verbal and emotional abuse from a spouse, loved one, or stranger can also cause trauma.
Trauma can also happen at any age; however, it is important to note that when the trauma happens at a younger age especially during a major developmental time in a child’s life the effects can be far worse as children usually have very limited coping mechanisms.
In the next blog post, I will share a Ted Talk that goes deeper into what trauma is!
Cited Sources:
https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma#:~:text=Trauma%20is%20an%20emotional%20response,symptoms%20like%20headaches%20or%20nausea.