Understanding Trauma & Healing
Understanding Trauma
Experiencing violence is a trauma. In this section we will examine trauma and how it can impact an individual and family, as well as provide methods for working through trauma, resources and what to look for in a helper who is trauma informed.
Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms your ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes your sense of self and your ability to feel a full range of emotions and experiences. Trauma is experienced by more than half of people and differs from person to person. Trauma is often defined more by its response than the event itself.
— Centre for Addictions and Mental Health
Common Responses and Symptoms of Trauma
Response to traumatic events varies greatly among people, but there are some basic common symptoms.
Signs include:
Click the arrow in the middle of the circle to reveal the other common responses and symptoms of trauma.
