WHAT IS TRAUMA?

People may display severe distress and/or difficulties coping following a psychologically impactful experience where life, safety or personal integrity has been threatened eg. trauma during childhood; violent crime or assault; traffic accidents; refugee experiences; wartime experiences; torture.
Trauma reactions may be experienced by people directly involved, by victims, or by witnesses to traumatic events. eg. road accidents.
Symptoms such as re-experiencing the event, avoiding things which remind them of the trauma and being constantly keyed up and on edge are common.
Helping people recognise that their reactions are likely to be normal responses to extraordinary events and seeking counselling help are important steps to encourage.