What is trauma?

Trauma is characterized by an event or occurrence that induces distress in an individual and may hinder their ability to cope effectively.

The perception of trauma varies among individuals, as each person's nervous system processes experiences uniquely. What one individual may perceive as traumatic, another may not.

Trauma can result from specific events (e.g., physical or sexual abuse) or it can accumulate and compound over time (e.g., neglect, environmental stress).