How Do I Know If Something I Experienced Was Traumatic?
Many people wonder if what they experienced was “enough” to be considered trauma. People often discount events that are traumatic. Trauma is specific to each individual because trauma is the…
Can Something Be Trauma Even If It Doesn’t Seem “that Bad”?
Yes, something that doesn’t seem “that bad” can be traumatizing. For instance, a child who’s emotional needs are ignored may think it wasn’t “that bad” because they weren’t beaten or…
What Counts as Trauma?
It’s hard to know what counts as trauma and what doesn’t when people talk about “big T” and “little T” traumas or when people tell you your experience wasn’t a…
Recognizing Minimization of Trauma
Many trauma survivors minimize what happened to them. They may insist that it "wasn't that bad," that they should be over it by now, or that other people had it…
Recognizing and Understanding Minimization of Trauma
Many trauma survivors minimize what happened to them. They may insist that it "wasn't that bad," that they should be over it by now, or that other people had it…
Experiences That Can Contribute to Complex Trauma
Complex trauma often develops through repeated experiences over time. The examples below are not exhaustive, and not every experience will be traumatic for every person. They are intended to help…
Why Trauma Survivors Minimize What Happened
Many trauma survivors minimize what happened to them. They may insist that it "wasn't that bad," that they should be over it by now, or that other people had it…
Why Trauma Survivors Minimize What Happened
One of the most common barriers to recognizing trauma is minimization. Many trauma survivors dismiss, downplay, or explain away what happened to them. They may insist that it "wasn't that…
Why It Can Be Hard to Recognize Your Own Trauma
Sometimes, people who have survived trauma deny that they ever experienced any. It’s not because they are trying to protect themselves; it’s because they don’t recognize that some of their…
Can Witnessing Violence or Abuse Cause Complex Trauma?
Yes, witnessing violence or abuse, especially against someone you love, can be traumatic. Complex trauma is trauma that develops from repeated, ongoing, or inescapable experiences and changes how a person…