Trauma is a force powerful enough to completely change the trajectory of anyone’s life.
It could result from a freak accident, abuse during childhood, or a series of terrifying events, leaving lasting effects on your body, emotions, and mind.
Yet despite how common it is, trauma is usually misunderstood or overlooked.
With that being said, many are often left asking themselves: What, really, is trauma? Why do I respond to it so powerfully? How do I begin the healing process?
We’ll explain what trauma is, how it shows up in daily life, what complex trauma looks like, and most importantly, how you can begin healing from trauma with the right support.
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What is Trauma?
Trauma is your body and mind’s response to something deeply distressing or frightening.
It might be a one-time event, like a natural disaster or accident, or from long-standing situations, like abuse or abandonment.
But keep in mind, trauma doesn’t always have to result from horrific events.
What is important is how the experience affected how you felt, and especially if it left you feeling helpless, vulnerable, or lost.
When you face something too intense to process at the time, your brain and nervous system can store that stress, affecting how you respond and feel months and even years after the threat has passed.
This is why trauma is often described as “what happens inside you” following a difficult event.
Approximately
of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. That equates to roughly 223.4 million individuals!
Types of Trauma
There isn’t just one kind of trauma; it comes in many forms.
Each person experiences and endures trauma in their own way, shaped by their life circumstances, the support around them, and their own emotional wiring.
Trauma can shape your body, thoughts, and emotions in ways that linger long after the event is over.
Understanding the different types of trauma can help you make sense of your own story—and show you that you’re not alone in what you’re feeling.
Acute Trauma
Acute trauma results from a single, overwhelming event—a sudden and shocking experience that shakes your sense of safety.
Even if it happened only once, the emotional impact it has can be long-lasting.
You might remember moments when your mind pulled you back into the experience, feeling anxious, unsettled, and doing whatever you could to avoid anything that might bring it all rushing back.
Acute Trauma may stem from events like:
- A horrible accident or injury
- A natural disaster, like a fire or flood
- Physical or Sexual Assault
- A medical emergency or invasive procedure
Though the threat is now gone and past, it may take a little while for your body to catch up.
That tension can linger, keeping you in a state of hyper-awareness, like every part of you is still bracing for something bad to happen.
Chronic Trauma
Chronic trauma develops slowly, fueled by continuous exposure to dangerous or severely stressful situations.
It can appear in numerous ways, such as in domestic abuse, abuse during childhood, bullying, or living in communities devastated by violence or poverty.
When you experience ongoing danger without a chance to recover, your nervous system becomes trapped in a state of continuous survival.
Chronic trauma may stem from:
- Long-term domestic violence
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Persistent bullying
- Living in unsafe or war-torn environments
- Growing up in poverty with constant instability
This long-lasting trauma can lead to emotional numbness, ongoing anxiety, or a general inability to trust others, no matter how peaceful things are on the surface.
Complex Trauma
Complex trauma develops from a chronic and repetitive series of traumatic events, which may start at an early point in one’s life.
It usually comes from being hurt by someone you were supposed to trust, like a parent, caregiver, or someone in charge.
When that kind of hurt happens while you’re still growing up, it can leave deep emotional scars that are hard to shake.
Situations that often lead to complex trauma include:
- Repeated emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- Neglect or abandonment during childhood
- Living in unpredictable or chaotic homes
- Ongoing betrayal by trusted caregivers
- Witnessing prolonged domestic violence
Those who are suffering from complex trauma often struggle to regulate their emotions, maintain healthy self-esteem, and form constructive relationships.
It’s closely connected to attachment wounds and will often present as symptoms of both PTSD and personality challenges.
Healing from complex trauma takes time and support, but it is very possible—with the right tools, connection, and care.3
Secondary or Vicarious Trauma
Not all trauma comes from what you directly experience—sometimes, it’s what you witness or carry on behalf of others.
Secondary trauma, also known as vicarious trauma, can affect therapists, first responders, medical professionals, social workers, and even the loved ones of trauma survivors.
When you’re constantly exposed to the pain and stories of others, it can begin to affect your own mental and emotional health.
Those at risk of secondary trauma include:
- Therapists and counselors
- First responders and emergency workers
- Nurses, doctors, and healthcare providers
- Social workers and case managers
- Loved ones supporting trauma survivors
You might feel drained, overwhelmed, or notice PTSD-like symptoms such as irritability, nightmares, or trouble focusing.
Caring for others is important—but so is caring for yourself, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Any type of trauma—acute, chronic, or complex—can lead to lasting emotional effects.
Sometimes, these may develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
According to a study, around
of individuals exposed to Trauma develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
What is PTSD?
Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), but some will.
The condition appears as a set of ongoing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors.
If trauma symptoms persist for more than a month and interfere with daily life, it may be time to talk to a mental health professional.4
Complex PTSD ( C-PTSD)
There is also something called C-PTSD (Complex PTSD), which often develops in people with complex trauma.
It includes PTSD symptoms, along with challenges like emotional numbness, chronic shame, or difficulty maintaining relationships.
Treatment is available—and it works.
How Trauma Affects the Body and Brain
Trauma doesn’t just live in your memory—it lives in your nervous system.
When something traumatic happens, your brain may resort to its survival mode: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn.
This automatic response is meant to protect you, but when trauma isn’t processed, your body can become trapped in this state of hypervigilance, even when it’s safe to relax.
In a study of over 29,000 trauma patients, 11.3% developed a new mental health condition, which was linked to higher risks of trauma readmission, suicide, and all-cause mortality.
Risk was greater among those who were younger, unemployed, Indigenous, unmarried, or from lower-income backgrounds.5
Common Effects of Trauma
- Muscle tension or body aches
- Trouble sleeping or nightmares
- Flashbacks or feeling “stuck” in the past
- Fatigue, brain fog, or trouble concentrating
- Feeling numb or constantly on edge
Knowing how trauma affects your body and mind can help you recognize that your symptoms aren’t flaws—they’re responses.
Quick Tip: Trauma Changes You, But it Doesn’t Define You
What happened to you may have changed how you see yourself and the world, but it doesn’t change your worth. Healing from trauma is possible. Be gentle with yourself—your journey deserves compassion. Honor how far you’ve come, and don’t hesitate to reach out when you need support. You are not broken; you are a survivor, and survival is an act of courage.
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms of Trauma
Emotional responses to trauma can be intense and unpredictable.
You may find yourself experiencing mood swings, anger, guilt, or sadness that seem to come out of nowhere.
In trying to deal with it, you may avoid people, situations, or discussions that remind you of what happened.
Trauma can also affect the way you view yourself.
You might blame yourself for what happened, feel unworthy of love, or struggle to trust others, even those who mean well.
Emotional Signs of Trauma
- Fear or panic attacks
- Feelings of shame, guilt, or helplessness
- Depression or frequent emotional outbursts
- Isolation or withdrawal from friends and family
- Having difficulties building or maintaining close relationships.
If any of this sounds familiar, know that these are common reactions to trauma, not personality flaws. They are signs that your mind and body are still protecting you the best way they know how.
How to Heal From Trauma
You may not be able to change what happened, but you do have the power to heal from it.
Healing from trauma is not about erasing the past but learning to live with it and not let it control your life.
It’s about reclaiming your safety, your voice, and your life.
Evidence-based ways to heal from trauma:
- Trauma-focused therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and TF
- CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) helps reprocess trauma memories safely.
- Somatic Therapy Focuses on the body’s role in healing. Techniques such as breathwork, grounding exercises, and movement help release trauma that is stored physically.
- Mindfulness and Self-Regulation Practices, like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing, teach you how to calm your nervous system.
- Group Therapy and Peer Support: Sharing your story with others who’ve experienced trauma can reduce shame and remind you that you’re not alone.
- Medication (if needed) When combined with therapy, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have a stabilizing effect on emotions.
Healing looks different for everyone, and there’s no set timeline.
What matters is taking small, consistent steps—and treating yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would show to someone else in your shoes.
When to Reach Out for Support
If trauma starts interfering with your daily life, relationships, or peace of mind, it’s a good time to seek support.
You don’t have to wait until you’re at your breaking point.
Help is available—and you deserve to receive it.
Reach out for support if you’re:
- Experiencing flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
- Feeling emotionally numb or constantly on edge
- Avoiding people, places, or memories
- Using substances or harmful behaviors to cope
- Struggling with anxiety, depression, or sleep
Therapists who specialize in trauma-informed care can help you create a safe path forward.
You don’t have to carry this alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trauma?
Trauma is your body and mind’s reaction to something deeply upsetting, frightening, or overwhelming. It could be a single event, like a car crash, or something ongoing, like emotional abuse or neglect. Trauma occurs when a person’s ability to cope is overwhelmed, trapping the nervous system in survival mode. It isn’t just what happened to you—it’s how your body remembers and responds to the experience, even long after it’s over.
What is complex trauma?
Complex trauma happens when someone goes through multiple, long-lasting traumatic experiences, especially during childhood or in situations where trust and safety are broken. This might include repeated emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, chronic neglect, or growing up in a chaotic or unpredictable environment. Complex trauma often affects a person’s ability to regulate emotions, form healthy relationships, and feel safe in their own skin. It requires specialized, compassionate care to work through and heal.
How do I heal from trauma?
Healing from trauma is possible, but it takes time, safety, and support. It often begins with working with a trauma-informed therapist who helps you understand how trauma has shaped both your mind and body. You may learn grounding techniques, work through emotions, and gently reprocess painful memories through methods like EMDR or somatic therapy. Healing might also involve building connections with others, practicing mindfulness, and rebuilding trust both in yourself and in the world around you. Most importantly, it’s a journey you don’t have to walk alone.
Can trauma ever go away completely?
While you may always remember the traumatic experience, the intensity of its impact can lessen greatly over time. With the proper care and a willingness to heal, the symptoms of trauma—flashbacks, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed–will noticeably decline. Some learn to live in a place where the trauma is no longer in charge of their life, their decisions, or their interactions with others. It’s not about erasing the past, but learning how to live fully again without being held hostage by it.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Trauma is your response to deeply distressing events that overwhelm your ability to cope.
- It has the power to impact your body, mind, and relationships both directly and indirectly.
- Complex trauma comes from repeated, long-term exposure, often starting in childhood.
- Healing from trauma involves supportive therapy, body-based practices, and compassion.
- Recovery is possible. You don’t have to face trauma alone.
Find Trauma-Informed Care at Cornerstone Healing Center
If you’re carrying the weight of trauma, know this: you don’t have to carry it alone.
At Cornerstone Healing Center, we recognize how trauma can shape every part of your life—your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and sense of self.
That’s why we offer trauma-informed care that goes beyond surface-level support.
Our expert clinicians specialize in trauma therapy, bringing deep understanding, advanced training, and compassionate presence to every session.
Whether you’re just beginning to process your trauma or have lived with it for years, we meet you where you are—with dignity, empathy, and respect.
Through both residential and virtual trauma treatment options, we provide flexible, accessible pathways to healing.
Our programs are grounded in evidence-based approaches and tailored to your unique needs, providing a safe space to feel, process, and start anew.
Because what happened to you matters—but it does not define you.
Healing is possible, and we’re here when you’re ready.
