Trauma is an emotional or psychological injury that results from a deeply distressing or disturbing event. Trauma can be caused by a single, overwhelming experience, such as a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist attack, sudden death of a loved one, or rape. It can also be caused by ongoing experiences like war, child abuse, domestic violence, or poverty. People who have experienced trauma often feel overwhelmed and helpless. They may feel disconnected from the world around them and have difficulty trusting people.
Traumatic events can cause physical injuries as well as psychological ones. The physical injuries may be minor or severe and can include broken bones, burns, cuts, and bruises. The psychological injuries are often more complex and long-lasting. They can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse problems, and other mental health issues.
People who have experienced trauma need time to heal both physically and emotionally. Treatment for trauma usually involves counseling and therapy to help the person process the experience and learn how to cope with the aftermath. In some cases medication may also be prescribed to help control symptoms of anxiety or depression.