Trauma is more than just a memory of something painful — it’s an emotional wound that changes how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. It’s not about being weak; it’s about how deeply an experience can impact our sense of safety and control. Understanding the different types of trauma can help us recognise what we’re feeling and take the first steps toward healing.
General Trauma
General trauma refers to distressing experiences that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope in the moment. These can include:
• Accidents or injuries
• Loss of a loved one
• Divorce or relationship breakdown
• Sudden life changes (like job loss or illness)
While these events can be devastating, not everyone who experiences them will develop long-term trauma symptoms. For some, the body and mind process the experience naturally over time. For others, unresolved feelings — such as fear, guilt, or helplessness — may linger, showing up as anxiety, irritability, or emotional numbness.
Even if the event seems “normal” or “not that bad” compared to others, your feelings are valid. Trauma isn’t measured by the event itself but by how deeply it affects your inner world.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD occurs when the body remains “stuck” in survival mode long after a traumatic event has passed. It often follows a single, intense incident such as:
• A car crash
• A physical or sexual assault
• A natural disaster
• A life-threatening situation
People with PTSD may experience:
• Flashbacks or vivid nightmares
• Avoidance of reminders related to the trauma
• Heightened startle response or hypervigilance
• Emotional numbness or detachment
It’s as if the body is trying to protect you by keeping you alert to danger — even when you’re safe. With the right support and techniques (such as trauma-focused therapy or the Rewind Technique), the nervous system can learn to relax again, allowing healing to begin.
Complex PTSD (CPTSD)
While PTSD often stems from a single traumatic event, Complex PTSD develops from repeated or prolonged trauma — especially during childhood, when the mind and body are still forming. This could include:
• Ongoing emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
• Neglect or abandonment
• Growing up in an unpredictable or unsafe environment
• Captivity or long-term domestic violence
CPTSD goes deeper than fear alone — it affects identity, self-worth, and relationships. Common symptoms include:
• Deep feelings of shame or guilt
• Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in relationships
• Emotional flashbacks (feeling small or powerless without knowing why)
• Persistent inner criticism and self-blame
Healing from CPTSD is a gradual, layered process. It often involves building safety, learning emotional regulation, and rediscovering a sense of identity beyond the trauma.
The Path Toward Healing
Whether your trauma is from a single event or years of emotional pain, recovery is possible. Healing isn’t about erasing the past — it’s about reclaiming your sense of peace and empowerment. With compassionate guidance, trauma therapy can help you process what happened safely and gently.
If you’re unsure where your symptoms fit, you can take my free online trauma self-assessment tests (General Trauma, PTSD, and CPTSD). There’s no commitment — just insight. And if you’d like to talk about your results, you’re welcome to book a free 20-minute consultation with me. Sometimes a single conversation can open the door to understanding and hope.