“It’s not what happens to you, it’s what happens inside of you as a result of what happened to you.”
-Dr. Gabor Maté
Trauma is damage to the psyche that is sustained after experiencing or witnessing an extremely distressing or frightening event. It can result in changes in coping, functioning, and wellbeing, and can leave you feeling hyper-alert and unable to relax. Many people with trauma have an inability to feel safe and secure.
Trauma is an invisible condition that can impact all areas of your life. Family, friends and coworkers may notice that you are not as present as you used to be, and you may appear distant, disengaged, and easily frightened. Furthermore, there are many different types of trauma that an individual can experience, such as developmental trauma, vicarious trauma, and intergenerational trauma.
If left untreated, trauma may develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event that can result in several distinct and debilitating cognitive and physiological symptoms. These symptoms can impact various domains of functioning, such as work, family, and relationships. Individuals living with PTSD often experience negative alterations in their thoughts and cognitions, experience intrusive memories of the event(s), and subsequently experience strong emotions that can inhibit their ability to experience a sense of safety, comfort, and joy.
