08/25/2022
I am often asked this question. I struggle to have an exact definition as this can vary depending who you ask. The following is how I answer from a trauma informed perspective.
Trauma can be an awful event, situation or circumstance that has a deep impact on us, our emotions, our body, our nervous system and our brains.
The event or details aren’t as important as the impact it’s had on you.
Meaning the word trauma are things such as war, natural disasters or sexual violence. Trauma is also divorce, abandonment, neglect, job loss, chronic illness, racism, systemic oppression, loss of a loved one, infertility, bullying and abuse of all forms.
Constantly being taught to never show your emotions, or told you didn’t do that well enough, or never receiving attention, affection, love or validation.
And So. Much. More.
This is why it’s a hard question to answer.
And most likely, you’ve experienced at least one on this list. And that’s not your fault.
Now it’s your opportunity to heal from it.
