Trauma is what we experience when something very painful or frightening happens to us. Trauma results from exposure to a single or series of experiences or ongoing experiences that are deeply disturbing or when our safety or that of a loved one is threatened.
We all face some kind of adversity or stress in our life, but some experiences are so painful, they impact our daily life and well-being. For many reasons, people respond to trauma in different ways. Trauma is not just the upsetting event itself – it is how one responds.
It can have a devastating effect on individuals, families and entire communities.
When we understand what can cause trauma and recognize its impact – in ourselves and in others – we realize there is hope. Then the journey to healing can begin.