Trauma and PTSD

Traumatic experiences and their aftermath: PTSD, complex PTSD, childhood trauma, dissociation and trauma responses.

• Childhood traumaChildhood trauma refers to frightening, harmful or overwhelming experiences in childhood, such as abuse, neglect, violence at home or the loss of a caregiver, that exceed a child's ability to cope. Its effects can continue into adulthood, influencing emotions, relationships and health, but healing is possible at any age with the right support.
• Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)Complex PTSD (C-PTSD or CPTSD) is a trauma-related condition that can develop after prolonged or repeated trauma, especially when escape felt impossible, such as ongoing childhood abuse, domestic violence or captivity. It includes the core symptoms of PTSD plus lasting difficulties with emotions, self-image and relationships. With specialized, trauma-informed therapy, people can heal.
• DissociationDissociation is a disconnection between thoughts, memories, feelings, surroundings or sense of identity. It ranges from everyday experiences like zoning out to more severe forms linked to trauma, such as dissociative amnesia or dissociative identity disorder (DID). Dissociation is often a protective response to overwhelming stress, and it can be treated.
• PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It causes intrusive memories such as flashbacks and nightmares, avoidance of reminders, changes in mood and thinking, and feeling constantly on guard. PTSD is treatable, and trauma-focused therapies help many people recover.
• Sexual assault and rapeSexual assault is any sexual act or contact without consent, including rape, unwanted touching and coerced or forced sexual activity. It is never the survivor's fault. After sexual assault, people can experience shock, fear, shame and lasting trauma, and support from medical, crisis and mental health services can help with safety and recovery.
• Trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze and fawnTrauma responses are the automatic ways the body and mind react to danger: fight, flight, freeze and fawn. They are survival reactions, not choices or character flaws. After a traumatic experience, these responses can keep firing even when you are safe, but therapy can help your nervous system recalibrate.