While we tend to go through a lot in our lives when it comes to defining and working through trauma, we almost always fall short. Trauma can be a lot of different things, and what is traumatic to me might not match up with you and your experiences throughout this life.

Severe trauma in and of itself is something that far more people go through than are willing to admit it. Whether you’ve been through a toxic relationship or you’ve suffered through some kind of natural disaster, your pain and suffering is valid. Below, I am going to go over some of the things that come across as quite surprising to many people in regards to trauma. If you’re someone who has been through anything of the sort you will understand these all too well.

10 Things You Might Not Have Known About ‘Trauma’:

1. Some of the most common responses to trauma tend to go overlooked.

For some reason, a lot of people tend to downplay the effects they end up receiving as a result of their traumatic experiences. If you’ve been through something that shook you to your core, and you’re feeling angry, shameful, or sad you could be struggling with PTSD all the while not being fully aware. Some of the responses to trauma that many face are things like nightmares, insomnia, relationship issues, changes in appetite, GI issues, and so much more.

2. You will be okay and you can get through it.

While it might take a lot of time, you will eventually feel better. You can get through anything this world throws at you even if you think you cannot. Please know how strong you are and how amazing you are for making it through whatever it was that you experienced.

3. Trauma can and does come with physical symptoms.

There are lots of physical symptoms that come with the effects of trauma. You might become nauseated, dizzy, anxious or even have more frequent headaches. While it might not seem like a physical issue, it can seriously become one if you do not seek out support where you need it.

4. Women are twice as likely to develop PTSD after traumatic events than men.

PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for those who are not familiar is a mental health condition that is triggered by a (or multiple) traumatic events. It is something that a lot of people in the world suffer from, but as it seems most are women. That being said, men can still get it as well.

5. About half of all the people in the world will be exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.

The longer you live, the more of an increased risk you are at experiencing something traumatic. It is not something that anyone can avoid completely. Whether you’ve already experienced something or you’re one of the lucky few who have not it is inevitable. That being said, you can get through it if you stay true to yourself and work hard enough.

6. You cannot just ‘get over it.’

There is no ‘just getting over it.’ This is a serious issue that leaves those who have experienced it quite damaged. It takes time and serious effort to be able to move forward properly, and a lot more people need to work on understanding that.

7. There are different kinds of trauma.

There are tons of different forms of trauma. Trauma can be big or it can be small. It can be emotional, psychological, physical and everything in-between. This is not something that is a ‘one size fits all.’

8. There is a very real link between trauma and addiction.

Substance dependence or abuse is something that a lot of people who go through severe trauma end up facing. They use this as a means of coping, and it allows them to even if just for a moment numb the pain they are feeling. While this is not healthy it is something we all need to be aware of.

9. Not everyone reacts to trauma in the same ways.

The way I react to trauma might not be the same way you react to trauma, and that is okay. You are not wrong for reacting in the way that you do, but you do need to work on healthy means of coping. We are all different, and no two strategies for overcoming will be the exact same.

10. Being exposed to something traumatic as a child can change the way you think.

It has been proven time and time again that experiencing trauma as a child can cause a person to grow up suffering from severe impairments when it comes to self-soothing, trusting others, and so much more. This is something that can and will follow them into their adult lives.