Understanding Trauma: What It Is and How It Affects Us


Trauma affects more people than we might realize, but what exactly is trauma, and why does it impact us so deeply?

The Three Types of Trauma

Trauma is any experience that terrifies us and makes us fear for our safety or the safety of someone important to us. It can take different forms, including:

  1. Acute Trauma: A single, isolated event (e.g., a car accident).
  2. Chronic Trauma: Repeated and prolonged exposure to distressing events.
  3. Complex Trauma: Multiple, varied traumatic events, often in close relationships (e.g., child abuse, domestic violence).

Trauma isn’t limited to firsthand experiences. It can also arise from witnessing, learning about, or even being exposed to distressing details of a traumatic event.


How Trauma Impacts the Body and Mind

The foundational symptoms of PTSD persist for 30 or more days after a traumatic event and can significantly affect daily functioning. Common symptoms include:

  • Re-experiencing the trauma: Nightmares, flashbacks, or triggers.
  • Avoidance: Steering clear of reminders or anything associated with the traumatic event.
  • Negative changes in thinking and emotions: Persistent feelings of fear, guilt, or sadness.
  • Hyperarousal and reactivity: Heightened vigilance, irritability, or difficulty sleeping.

For those experiencing Complex PTSD, these symptoms can compound over time. To learn more, check out my video, "15 Signs of Complex PTSD."


The Body’s Response to Trauma

The brain and body adapt to trauma by staying in a constant state of threat, often leading to:

  • Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from your thoughts, emotions, or surroundings.
  • Physiological Changes: Visible impacts on the brain as seen in fMRIs, validating the real, physical effects of trauma.
For more information on dissociation, check out my video, "13 Signs You Are Dissociating."

Common Adaptive Coping Behaviors

When trauma persists, it can lead to coping mechanisms that feel protective in the moment but may hinder long-term well-being, such as:

  • Using substances
  • Overthinking
  • OCD-like behaviors (e.g., rules to ensure safety)
  • Eating issues (over- or undereating)
  • Self-harming
  • People-pleasing
  • Compulsive exercise
  • Controlling behaviors
  • Workaholism
  • Social isolation
  • Risk-taking behaviors
  • Sleep disruptions (over- or undersleeping)

The Physical Toll of Trauma

Hyperarousal can also lead to immune system dysfunction, causing:

  • Chronic inflammation
  • Gut problems
  • Autoimmune diseases

Managing Trauma Symptoms

The good news is that there are many ways to manage trauma symptoms. These include:


Trauma can leave lasting impacts, but healing is possible. By understanding what trauma is and how it affects us, we can take steps toward recovery, one moment at a time.

For more resources and support, visit www.resolvetorise.com.

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