What Is Trauma?

A guide to trauma, symptoms, and how to start healing.

Trauma is a powerful emotional and physical response to an experience that feels frightening, overwhelming, or threatening. It can arise after events like accidents, abuse, violence, or other major life disruptions. But trauma isn’t always tied to one event — long-term stress, bullying, or a harmful home environment can also leave deep emotional wounds.

How we respond to trauma is unique to each person. Some recover quickly, while others experience lasting symptoms that affect their well-being and daily life.

How Does Trauma Affect Us?

After a traumatic experience, the body and brain can stay stuck in survival mode — a constant state of alert. Here are some common trauma responses:

1. Fight or Flight.

• The body gears up for danger — heart rate increases, breathing quickens, muscles tighten.
• You may feel an urgent need to run, act, or escape.

2. Freeze.

• Instead of reacting, you might feel numb or paralyzed.
• It can feel like you’re disconnected from reality or your own emotions.

3. Emotional Flashbacks.

• Vivid memories, flashbacks, or strong emotional reactions to reminders of the trauma.
• The experience may feel just as real as when it first happened.

For many, these reactions fade over time. But if symptoms persist and affect your everyday life, it may be a sign of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Common Trauma Symptoms.

Trauma can affect both your mind and body. These are some symptoms to look out for:

Mental & Emotional Symptoms.

• Anxiety and fear: a constant sense of unease or hyper-alertness.
• Avoidance: staying away from places or situations that bring up painful memories.
• Sleep problems: trouble falling asleep, nightmares, or waking frequently.
• Emotional numbness: difficulty feeling joy, connection, or motivation.

Physical Symptoms.

• Racing heart and muscle tension: your body reacts as if the threat is still present.
• Sensitivity to sensory input: loud noises, bright lights, or certain smells can feel overwhelming.
• Digestive issues and tension headaches: stress can settle into the body in physical ways.

If these symptoms last or interfere with your daily life, professional support can make a meaningful difference.

Therapy Test – Could Talking to Someone Help?

Going through something traumatic can impact your emotional health, relationships, and self-image. But it’s not always easy to know when — or if — it’s time to seek help.

If you’re unsure, our therapy assessment can guide you. In just a few quick questions, you’ll get a clearer sense of whether therapy might be a supportive next step in your healing journey.

Take the therapy test here.

What Happens in the Body During Trauma?

When we experience a threatening or overwhelming situation, the body’s stress system is activated. The sympathetic nervous system releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, preparing the body for survival.

If this stress continues over time, it can begin to affect how the brain functions — especially in areas such as:

• Amygdala – the fear center of the brain. It can become overactive, making you feel on high alert even when you’re safe.
• Hippocampus – plays a key role in memory. Trauma can impair its ability to separate past from present, leading to flashbacks.
• Prefrontal Cortex – responsible for rational thinking. When this area is suppressed, it becomes harder to manage emotions and feel in control.

When the body gets “stuck” in this stress state, it can feel impossible to relax — even when the danger is gone. That’s why healing from trauma often includes calming the nervous system and rebuilding a sense of safety.

How Can You Recover from Trauma?

Healing takes time, but there are supportive steps you can take to help your body and mind begin to feel safe again.

1. Reach Out for Support.

Talk to someone you trust — a friend, family member, or therapist. Putting your experience into words can ease feelings of isolation and bring perspective.

2. Keep Simple Daily Routines.

Structure and predictability can create a sense of calm. Even small routines — like eating regular meals or going for a walk — make a difference.

3. Move Your Body.

Physical activity like walking, yoga, or dancing can help release tension. Movement supports the nervous system and promotes healing.

4. Find Little Moments of Joy.

Listen to music, paint, write, or do something creative that brings you energy. Small positive moments help the brain shift focus away from trauma.

5. Give Yourself Time.

Healing doesn’t happen overnight — and that’s completely okay. Allow yourself to feel, process, and move forward at your own pace.

When Should You Seek Help?

If trauma symptoms aren’t going away and are affecting your daily life, professional support can be an important next step. Consider talking to a therapist if you:

• Experience flashbacks or nightmares that disrupt your sleep and well-being.
• Feel overwhelmed in daily life or struggle with relationships.
• Carry heavy feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness.
• Avoid people or situations because of fear.

Reaching out for help is a sign of strength — not weakness. There are safe, experienced therapists ready to support you.

How Therapy Can Help You Heal

Therapy can be a powerful part of recovery after trauma. With the support of a licensed therapist, you can begin to process what happened and find healthy ways to manage your symptoms. Here are some evidence-based approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you understand and change negative thinking patterns.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A method that helps the brain “reprogram” its response to traumatic memories.
• Psychodynamic Therapy (PDT): Explores how past experiences influence your emotions, behavior, and relationships today.