What Is Trauma Anyway?

Trauma is often misunderstood as something that only follows catastrophic events. While

extreme experiences like war, assault, or natural disasters can certainly leave deep

psychological imprints, trauma is less about the event itself and more about how the

experience overwhelms a person’s capacity to cope. Today, we understand trauma as anything that threatens a person’s sense of safety, identity, or connection to others.

A Brief Look Back: From Shell Shock to Modern Trauma Awareness

In the past, trauma was most commonly associated with soldiers returning from war. During

World War I, the term “shell shock” was used to describe symptoms like tremors, paralysis,

emotional numbness, and nightmares. At the time, these responses were poorly understood

and often stigmatized. Over time, research expanded our understanding, leading to diagnoses like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and, more broadly, a recognition that trauma can arise from many types of experiences—not just battlefield exposure.

Big T vs. Small t Trauma

Today, trauma is often described along a spectrum:

• “Big T” trauma refers to major, life-threatening or deeply distressing events such as violence, accidents, or disasters.

• “Small t” trauma includes cumulative experiences that may not individually seem extreme on the surface but can still have lasting effects—such as chronic criticism, emotional neglect, inconsistent caregiving, or attachment wounds.

Both types can shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world.

How Trauma Shows Up in the Body

Trauma is not just a psychological experience—it is deeply physical. The body may hold onto

trauma long after the event has passed. This can show up as:

• Chronic tension or pain

• Fatigue or sleep disturbances

• Heightened startle response

• Digestive issues or headaches

These responses are tied to a nervous system that has learned to stay on high alert or,

conversely, to shut down.

Behavioural Patterns

Trauma can influence how people act, often in ways that are attempts to cope or stay safe:

• Avoidance of certain places, people, or feelings

• Overworking or perfectionism

• Substance use or other numbing behaviours

• Difficulty with focus or follow-through

  
  

These behaviours are often adaptive responses that once served a purpose, even if they become limiting over time.

Emotional Reactions

Emotionally, trauma can create both intensity and disconnection:

• Anxiety, fear, or irritability

• Shame or persistent self-criticism

• Emotional numbness or detachment

• Sudden mood shifts

These reactions reflect a system that is trying to manage overwhelming internal states.

Impact on Relationships

Trauma often affects how people relate to others:

• Difficulty trusting or relying on others

• Fear of abandonment or rejection

• People-pleasing or over-accommodation

• Challenges with boundaries or intimacy

Attachment wounds, especially those formed early in life, can shape relationship patterns in

profound ways.

Moving Toward Understanding and Healing

Recognizing how trauma shows up is an important step toward healing. Rather than asking

“What’s wrong with me?”, a more helpful question is “What happened to me?” This shift allows for greater compassion and opens the door to support, whether through therapy, community, or self-awareness practices.

Trauma is not a life sentence—it is an experience that can be understood, processed, and

integrated. With the right support, people can reconnect with a sense of safety, self, and

belonging.

Do you want the opportunity to discuss how to heal from traumatic experiences? Do not

hesitate to reach out!

Stay healthy!

Juliana