Trauma is an event which elicits an emotional distress response, either immediately or longer term after the event. There are three types of trauma; acute trauma, chronic trauma, and complex trauma.

Chronic trauma is a result of prolonged exposure to trauma. Examples of chronic trauma may include bullying, neglect, domestic abuse, or narcissistic abuse.

Acute trauma is trauma which results from the exposure of a single incident. Examples of acute trauma include death of a loved one, natural disaster (hurricane, tsunami, tornado, etc,) or an assault.

Complex trauma occurs after extreme and repeated exposure to traumatic events.Examples of complex trauma include child abuse, human trafficking, emotional abuse, or war.

Trauma does not always lead to a mental health diagnosis. However, according to the DSM-5TR trauma can lead to diagnosis such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Acute Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, or Prolonged Grief Disorder.

Trauma therapy helps the individual address and process their feelings and emotions resulting from their trauma. It allows them to identify and process their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations relating to their trauma, while understanding and implementing coping skills.

Types of trauma therapy include Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Prolonged Exposure (PE).

Trauma informed care is a framework of understanding the neurological, biological, psychological, and social effects of trauma. Trauma informed care recognizes the inherent need for safety, connections, and ways to manage emotions.

A trigger is a signal which acts as a sign for possible danger, based on past traumatic experiences. A trigger can lead to emotional, physiological and behavioural responses which lead to a sense of of survival.

Triggers are individual depending on their trauma, perceptions, and lived experiences. A trigger motivates a fight, flight or freeze response.