Trauma can be defined as a response to a distressing or disturbing event/events that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope. These events can vary widely and are all valid. Some examples of trauma are:

1. Acute Trauma: This type of trauma typically involves a single, sudden event, such as a car accident, natural disaster, or violent assault.

2. Chronic Trauma: Chronic or complex trauma involves repeated exposure to traumatic events over an extended period, often in interpersonal relationships or oppressive environments. Examples include childhood abuse/neglect, domestic violence, or ongoing discrimination.

3. Secondary Trauma: Also known as vicarious trauma, this occurs when individuals are indirectly exposed to traumatic events, such as through witnessing or hearing about the experiences of others, like healthcare professionals, first responders, or journalists covering traumatic events.

Common Symptoms of Trauma

Trauma can affect individuals in various ways, and its symptoms may manifest differently from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

1. Emotional: Intense feelings of fear, sadness, anger, guilt, or shame; mood swings; emotional numbness or detachment.

2. Cognitive: Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event(s); difficulty concentrating or making decisions; negative beliefs about oneself or the world.

3. Physical: Headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, fatigue, sleep disturbances, heightened startle response.

4. Behavioral: Avoidance of reminders of the trauma; changes in appetite or substance use; hypervigilance; difficulty trusting others.