Do I Need Help with Healing from Trauma?
Trauma is a word we hear often—on social media, in therapy discussions, and even in everyday conversations. But what does it actually mean? Is it just about major life-threatening events, or is it something more subtle and personal? Do I need help with healing from trauma?
The truth is, trauma isn’t just about what happens to us—it’s about how our mind and body respond to what happens. Trauma can shape our emotions, relationships, and even our physical health in profound ways. Let’s break it down.
At its core, trauma is the emotional and psychological response to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines trauma as the response to an event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, leaving them feeling helpless, frightened, or deeply unsafe.
When most people think of trauma, they picture catastrophic events—war, natural disasters, serious accidents, or abuse. But trauma isn’t always about life-or-death situations. It can also come from experiences that shake our sense of security, such as:
Emotional neglect in childhood
A painful breakup or betrayal
Workplace harassment
Bullying or social rejection
Chronic stress or burnout
What’s traumatic to one person may not be traumatic to another. It’s not about the event itself, but about how the nervous system processes and stores that experience. Talking to someone can help you discover if you need help with healing from trauma.
Big “T” vs. Little “t” Trauma
Psychologists often categorize trauma into two types:
Big “T” Trauma: These are the major, life-threatening events—serious accidents, assaults, war, or natural disasters. These experiences can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and long-term emotional distress.
Little “t” Trauma: These are the smaller, yet still impactful, experiences—chronic criticism, financial instability, toxic relationships, or ongoing stress. While they may not seem as dramatic, repeated exposure can lead to complex trauma and deeply impact a person’s mental health.
Sometimes, a collection of little “t” traumas can have just as much impact as a single big “T” trauma. This is why childhood emotional neglect, for example, can be as damaging as a single traumatic event.
How Trauma Affects the Body and Mind
Trauma isn’t just “in your head.” It lives in the body, shaping the way we respond to stress and relationships.
When we experience trauma, our nervous system goes into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn mode. If the trauma isn’t processed properly, the body stays stuck in these stress responses, leading to symptoms like:
Anxiety and hypervigilance
Depression and emotional numbness
Chronic fatigue and pain
Digestive issues
Trouble trusting others or forming healthy relationships
In many cases, trauma rewires the brain. The amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for detecting threats, becomes hyperactive. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking, becomes less effective. This explains why people with trauma may overreact to minor stressors or feel constantly on edge.
Healing from Trauma
The good news? Trauma doesn’t have to define you. To answer the question, do I need help with healing from Trauma, YES! Healing is possible, though it often requires time, self-compassion, and sometimes professional help.
- Acknowledge Your Trauma
Ignoring or downplaying trauma doesn’t make it go away. Recognizing its impact is the first step toward healing.
- Seek Support
Talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or even confiding in a trusted friend can be powerful. Trauma often isolates people, so rebuilding connections is essential.
- Regulate Your Nervous System
Trauma healing isn’t just about talking—it’s about calming the body. Practices like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and exercise can help regulate your nervous system.
- Rewire Your Thought Patterns
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can help challenge negative thought patterns that stem from trauma.
- Be Patient with Yourself
Healing isn’t linear. Some days will be easier than others. What matters is progress, not perfection.
Trauma is complex and deeply personal. It’s not just about what happens to us—it’s about how we experience and process those events. Whether it’s a major life-threatening event or the accumulation of small wounds over time, trauma leaves a mark. But with awareness, support, and the right tools, healing is absolutely possible.
If you’ve experienced trauma, know that you’re not alone. Your pain is valid, but so is your capacity to heal.
Wellness Matters has therapists who can help with healing from trauma. They are specially trained in EMDR and other evidence-based approaches that are used with great success! Check out the About Us tab at WellnessMattersHealth.com and meet Katherine (Kat) Fritsch and Emily Pierson! Both therapists are highly trained and experienced in helping people overcome trauma. Feel free to contact Wellness Matters to set up an appointment. You can connect with the Wellness Matters Intake Coordinator by texting or calling 218-616-1276.
At Wellness Matters, the intake process is all on-line and can be done in less than fifteen minutes. On-line appointments make it possible to attend appointments from the comfort from your home or office. In-person services may also be available for people living in northern MN.
