Trauma is a term we hear more often these days, and for good reason. But with its increasing presence in conversations—both online and in real life—many people are left wondering: What actually qualifies as trauma? And more importantly, how do we process and heal from it?
First, a definition. Trauma is the emotional and psychological impact of a deeply distressing experience—something that feels overwhelming or too much to handle at the time. It can come from a single event (like an accident or a natural disaster) or from ongoing experiences (like chronic stress or childhood neglect). Trauma affects people in different ways, sometimes showing up as anxiety, trouble sleeping, or even physical tension.
The Personal Nature of Trauma
Everyone processes trauma differently, and things like past experiences, personality, and support systems all play a role in how we heal from it. According to Noah Young, a Master’s student studying Clinical Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling at the University of South Florida, trauma doesn’t always stem from big, obvious events. “A lot of people think [trauma] has to be one major event, like the LA fires or the hurricane that hit North Carolina, but it’s such an individual experience,” Young explains. “Whether it’s big or small, it just depends on how it’s impacting that person.”
In actuality, trauma responses are unique. “Two people might witness the same traumatic event, yet it affects one person much differently than the other,” Young says. “For instances like that, we really consider culture, norms, your prior life experiences, and even your own biology and genetic predispositions.” This means that trauma isn’t defined by the event itself, but by how it’s processed and stored in the mind and body. Trauma can manifest as anxiety, depression, physical discomfort, or even an inability to recall details of the event clearly.
Two people might witness the same traumatic event, yet it affects one person much differently than the other.
Noah Young
Identifying Trauma in the Body
If you’re unsure whether an experience has left a lasting impact, Young suggests tuning into your body’s signals.
“If [a client] is just starting to maybe question whether an experience was traumatic, I tell them to do a body scan—really think about that experience and see if they feel tension anywhere,” he explains. “Maybe their stomach starts to feel upset or they notice tightness in their chest. That’s a question we tend to ask: When you think about this event, where do you feel it?”
If an event triggers a strong physical response, it may be a sign that there is unresolved trauma that needs to be processed.
Supporting Someone Through Trauma
Helping a friend or loved one navigate trauma requires sensitivity. Instead of demanding details or pushing for immediate disclosure, Young recommends a gentle approach.
“Maybe something just as simple as saying, ‘Hey, I remember you mentioning this’ or ‘Hey, I noticed you were acting this way. Just let me know if this is something you want to talk about. I’m happy to listen,’” he says. “That way, you’re giving them the power to tell you if they want to, but you’re not pressuring them. Even if they don’t open up, just knowing that someone noticed and cares can be incredibly healing.”
Finding a good therapist is like car shopping.
The Risks of Sharing Trauma Online
In the age of social media, more people are discussing trauma online. While that can help de-stigmatize trauma, Young warns that it comes with risks.
“Every time you talk about your trauma, you’re opening yourself up for harm,” he cautions. “You want to make sure you’re only talking about it with people you can trust. If people are trauma dumping to friends they’re not super close with or to the internet, where they’re going to get hundreds of comments, they need to realize that vulnerability in the wrong spaces can backfire.”
While sharing experiences can be therapeutic, it’s important to set boundaries and ensure that conversations happen in safe, supportive environments. Or, if you think making a TikTok could help you heal, consider uploading it—but turning comments off.
Finding the Right Help
For those seeking professional support, Young recommends looking for therapists trained in evidence-based trauma therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
“If someone’s never started therapy, I tell them that finding a good therapist is like car shopping,” he says. “If you go and you don’t like your therapist, don’t let that be your perception of therapy as a whole. Just know that you didn’t find your match.” Need help finding your right therapy fit? Here’s a guide to getting started.
One of the biggest misconceptions about trauma therapy is that it provides quick relief. Young emphasizes that healing is a process. Imagine a scale in which 10 is the most trauma, and zero is none. “If someone has been carrying trauma, they’re not going to go from feeling like a 10 to a zero in one session,” he explains. “After eight sessions, they might go from a 10 to a four, and maybe a four is where they’re going to be at for the rest of their life. But it’s still better than a 10.”
Understanding trauma is the first step toward healing. Whether it’s through self-awareness, supportive relationships, or professional therapy, the journey to recovery is different for everyone—but it’s always possible. By setting realistic expectations and finding the right tools, anyone can move toward a life that feels lighter, safer, and more whole.