What is trauma?
The word ‘trauma’ describes an event or series of events which are experienced as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening, and which are so stressful that they overwhelm a person’s capacity to cope.
Trauma can result from a single incident, such as a serious accident, physical or sexual assault, a medical emergency, or exposure to a natural disaster or act of war. It can also stem from prolonged or repeated experiences, such as domestic abuse, childhood neglect, emotional or physical maltreatment, or growing up in war zones or with parents who struggle with substance misuse or mental illness.
Not everyone who experiences adversity or traumatic events is ‘traumatised’; rather, being ‘traumatised’ is contingent on how we interpret and make meaning of events. Meaning-making is influenced by our cultural beliefs, our histories, our social supports, gender, race, age, and a range of other factors.
Our reactions to trauma are totally normal responses to abnormal and overwhelmingly threatening events. We cannot choose how we respond to trauma, and we are never to blame for the way in which we react. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD are just some of the reactions that can manifest in response to traumatic experiences.
Anyone can experience trauma — regardless of background, status, or privilege. However, certain groups may be more vulnerable to trauma due to systemic inequalities or increased exposure to violence and discrimination. This includes, for example, women and children, refugees and asylum seekers, people with disabilities, people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, and people from the LGBTQI+ community.
Research suggests that experiencing adversity and trauma — especially when prolonged and in childhood (Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs) — can lead to difficulties in adulthood. These may impact our development, our ability to form trusting relationships, our capacity to study or work, and our physical and mental health. However, it is an oversimplification to assume that children who experience adversity will inevitably be 'damaged' or struggle in adulthood. Innate resilience, personality factors, and access to support can mitigate ACEs, with survivors going on to live rich, productive and meaningful lives.
What about resilience?
While experiencing adverse and traumatic events can be very distressing, this does not mean that your future wellbeing is predetermined. The support we receive from others — together with our own particular mindsets and innate resources — plays a crucial role in determining individual and community responses to adversity and trauma.
With self-compassion, effective support, and time, you may become more aware of your own strengths and may experience a sense of growth and meaning. Resilience is not about being unaffected by trauma, but about being able to make sense of and integrate traumatic events into your life story — to find ways to live meaningfully, compassionately, and hopefully in the present and future, without being defined by traumatic events.
