The word trauma has become mainstream. But it is important to understand what trauma is and what we can do about it.

Trauma is distress in the brain and body in response to an event that exceeds an individual’s ability to cope. It’s not the event itself, but what happens as a result of the event.

When you think of the word trauma, what comes to mind? A car accident? Death of a loved one? Certainly these are traumatic incidents, especially when they happen to young kids. These are considered Big T traumas. They are most likely to cause a traumatic response in most people, regardless of circumstance.

Trauma is not limited to a single event, though. Sometimes we have too narrow a view of trauma which prevents us from understanding the realities of those around us.

Some events may be traumatic for some people, such as visiting the dentist, a fire alarm, or saying an answer wrong in front of a group. We call these little t traumas. They may not necessarily be traumatic for everyone, but they are traumatic for some.

Trauma can also include what is referred to as “toxic stress” – the ongoing stress that accompanies poverty, violence in the home, physical, sexual or emotional abuse or relying on a caregiver with mental illness or a drug or alcohol problem. Children who grow up with toxic stress also suffer the devastating effects of trauma.

The concept of trauma is now entering the education and mental health fields in a more significant way, as more and more research is done and we develop a greater understanding of its effects.

We know that early trauma has long-term ramifications on a person’s wellbeing. But there’s good news. Often what moves stress from toxic to tolerable is the existence of one safe and supportive relationship.

We have may resources covering trauma here on our site that we hope give you a greater understanding of trauma and how it might be affecting yourself and those around you. We share strategies that can help children and adults in these circumstances self-regulate and ultimately thrive. Click here for more resources on trauma.

If you have a specific question about trauma, please email [email protected] and we will do our best to address it.