Let’s Define Trauma

When we think about the word trauma, we might consider an experience, event, or maybe an injury, but trauma is more than what has happened to us. 

Trauma happens when we feel unsafe; when we feel unsafe, the body automatically responds by changing our physiology. These changes prepare us in the moment for danger AND the body will often store portions of the traumatic experience that are not needed for our survival. Why? Because the number one priority is to survive, and not all of the physiological responses are needed to survive they are just part of the automatic response to danger.

The more lack of safety is perceived, the more trauma is embedded, which alters how our brain works. Trauma shifts our perceptions, behaviors, vocabulary, relationships, self-esteem, interests, development, and more. Ultimately, trauma changes our personality and the way we interact with the world and ourselves. It can completely derail our life without us even knowing the cause.

Individuals who are labeled as introverted, socially awkward, and/or unavailable may in fact have had mothers who provided the necessities but didn’t necessarily hug and hold them, kiss their booboos, or soothe them when they felt unsafe or needed support.