What is Trauma?

Trauma experiences shake the meaning of our sense of normal, and break the assumptions and the definition of trust. The mind and body respond in adaptive ways to help us cope with these abnormal events. Sometimes these trauma symptoms resolve within a few days. However, if symptoms persist they may become the body's best and quickest response to even normal daily stressors. Left untreated, avoidance develops and makes the resolution of these symptoms much more difficult, and confusing. The definition of trauma is based on one's perception, and interpretation of an overwhelming stressor. Thus, our traumas are the circumstances that are seen as threatening in which a person may feel helpless. 

Reactions to traumatic events can include anything from abrupt differences in behavior and thought, to significant changes in personality characteristics and self-identity, feelings of helplessness.