Trauma

Trauma happens when we go through extremely stressful, scary, or upsetting experiences that feel overwhelming or out of our control. It might be a single incident or a few traumatic experiences. ​

Some examples of traumatic experiences include:

• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse

• Childhood neglect

• Living in poverty

• Facing racism or discrimination

• Experiencing community violence, war, or terrorism.
   

Trauma can often feel like intense, vivid memories that seem stuck in your mind, sometimes making it feel like the event is happening all over again. You might also feel shaky or start sweating when you think about the event.

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If trauma isn't dealt with, it cause ongoing health issues, body aches, and trouble sleeping. You might find yourself reacting with strong emotions or feeling numb, which can affect your relationships. You might have fear of people leaving, staying on high alert, struggling to focus, or having negative thoughts about yourself—all of which can be signs of unresolved trauma.