Trauma is the result of an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.

– Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

What We Know About Trauma

“Over two-thirds of children report experiencing at least one traumatic event by age 16.”

–  SAMHSAs

“70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives.”

– National Council for Behavioral Health

“It is estimated that 26% of children in the United States will witness or experience a traumatic event before the age of 4 years.”

– Journal of Traumatic Stressw

Event

The event is what happened. This could be a single experience or something that happened over time, such as stress, loss, or difficult life circumstances.

What happened matters, but it is only one part of the story.

Experience

The experience is how a person feels and responds to what happened. Two people can go through the same event but experience it very differently.

Your experience is valid, and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to feel.

Effects

The effects are how the experience shows up over time. This can include emotions, behaviors, physical responses, or challenges in daily life.

These responses are not signs of weakness—they are your body’s way of trying to cope and protect you.

Trauma is more common than many people realize. These experiences can affect people of all ages, often in ways that aren’t immediately visible.

• 7 in 10 adults experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime
• 1 in 4 young children experience or witness trauma before age 4
• 2 in 3 children experience at least one traumatic event by age 16

You are not alone, and support can make a difference.

(Sources: National Council for Behavioral Health, Journal of Traumatic Stress, SAMHSA)