Trauma is a broad term used to describe experiences that are extremely stressful, disturbing, and disrupting to mental health. When people experience trauma, their emotional capacity becomes overwhelmed and they find themselves unable to cope. 

There is not a specific type of event that can be considered traumatic, instead, what constitutes a traumatic event is based solely on how it affects the person experiencing it. However, some types of events or experiences are common sources of trauma, including abuse, violence, disasters, accidents, or death. Experiencing trauma can cause long term emotional pain or mental illness, such as anxiety or depression. People who have experienced trauma may be reluctant to talk about it due the negative emotions that recalling these events brings up. 

If you have experienced trauma, it is important to know that you are not alone and that there are safe spaces for you to talk about what you have experienced. To speak with someone today, browse our directory of trusted, experienced therapists.