Trauma, PTSD, c-PTSD

The word trauma encompasses a wide range of symptoms, diagnoses, and lived experiences. In our chaotic world, it’s common to downplay an event—or a series of events—as “not a big deal,” or to minimize the impact of what happened. This response is a natural, human way of coping with overwhelming thoughts, feelings, and sensations. While there are clinical criteria for diagnosing trauma, many people who have experienced trauma may not meet those specific diagnostic thresholds. Unfortunately, trauma is far more common than we often acknowledge. Many individuals dismiss their experiences, thinking, “It must not be that bad.” But the most important thing to remember is this: if you feel like you’ve experienced trauma, you probably have.

Currently, the primary trauma-related diagnoses include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD, and Acute Stress Disorder. Below are some examples of trauma:

Childhood physical, psychological, and/or emotional abuse
Sexual Abuse at any age
Sexual Harassment
Rape and/or Sexual Assault
Domestic Violence (witnessed or experienced)
World Events (9/11, COVID, War, Unstable government)
Having to flee your country as a refugee
Teasing/Bullying
Being "Othered"
Living in an invalidating environment
Feeling/Labeled "the Black Sheep"
Extensive periods of time being lied to and/or manipulated