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the impact of trauma

the impact of trauma

trauma can have long-lasting effects on both mental and physical health, shaping how individuals think, feel and respond to the world around them
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Trauma is the emotional response to a distressing or disturbing event. It can be caused by a variety of experiences, including accidents, abuse, violence or natural disasters. While everyone responds to traumatic events differently, trauma often leaves lasting emotional scars.  

The effects of trauma can be wide-ranging, impacting a person’s mental and physical health. Traumatic experiences can lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It can also affect relationships, work and everyday life, with survivors often feeling isolated or disconnected from others. Understanding trauma and its impact is crucial to supporting recovery and promoting mental wellbeing. 

common myths about trauma

only major events cause trauma

Trauma is not always the result of catastrophic events that can happen. Trauma may happen indirectly, through learning about trauma experienced by others (e.g., partners of combat soldiers), one’s work (e.g., mental health professionals) or exposure through media coverage.  

trauma is purely psychological

The impact of trauma goes beyond mental health. It often manifests physically, causing symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, headaches and digestive problems.  

time heals all wounds

Simply waiting for trauma to pass may not be enough for many people. While some may naturally heal over time, others need professional support to address the deep-rooted impact that trauma has on their life.

what is trauma? 

Trauma refers to the emotional and psychological response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. Traumatic events can include incidents such as car accidents, the sudden death of a loved one, medical emergencies or more extreme situations like war, terrorist attacks, rape or other violent assaults. 

Trauma can be categorised into three types: 

  • Acute Trauma: Results from a single, time-limited event (e.g., an accident or assault) and typically triggers a short-term ‘fight-or-flight’ stress response. 
  • Chronic Trauma: Involves repeated or prolonged exposure to distressing events, often leading to lasting negative effects on both physical and mental health. 
  • Complex Trauma: Arises from sustained and repeated interpersonal trauma, especially during childhood (e.g., abuse or neglect). This can result in profound and long-lasting impacts on emotional, cognitive and physical wellbeing. 

how common is trauma? 

According to the World Heatlh Organization (WHO) World Mental Health Survey, approximately 70% of individuals worldwide have experienced at least one major traumatic event, such as physical violence, sexual abuse or exposure to war. 

While not everyone who experiences trauma develops a long-term mental health condition like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), trauma exposure significantly increases the risk for a range of mental and physical health challenges. 

Many individuals may carry unrecognised trauma, especially those with severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar or schizoaffective disorder, which are frequently linked to early childhood trauma. 

how does trauma impact a person? 

Mental health impacts: 

  • Depression and Anxiety
    Young people exposed to trauma are up to three times more likely to develop depression. Trauma is also a known risk factor for anxiety. 
  • PTSD and CPTSD
    A minority of trauma-exposed individuals go on to develop PTSD, which involves symptoms such as re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance, hyperarousal and emotional numbing. CPTSD includes all PTSD symptoms, along with disturbances in self-organisation: negative self-concept, difficulties in emotional regulation and difficulties in relationships and trust. 
  • Substance use and behavioural addictions
    People may turn to alcohol, drugs, nicotine or behavioural addictions (e.g., gambling or pornography) as a way to cope with trauma. While this may provide temporary relief, it often leads to dependency. Research confirms a strong link between both direct and indirect trauma exposure and increased risk of addiction. 

  Physical health impacts 

  • Somatic symptoms
    Trauma can express itself through physical symptoms such as chronic pain, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, sleep problems and fatigue. 
  • Poor physical health outcomes
    Even a single traumatic experience can lead to long-term health problems due to persistent stress responses or suppression of emotions. Prolonged stress can impact cardiovascular health, immune system response and even brain structure and cognitive functioning.  

supporting those impacted by trauma 

If you or someone you know has been affected by trauma, there are several ways to start the recovery process: 

  • Seek professional support from a therapist trained in trauma-informed care, which is a way of providing health and care that recognises how trauma can affect a person’s brain, body, mind and social development. 
  • Explore mindfulness or relaxation techniques, like grounding, to help manage symptoms of anxiety and stress. 
  • Connect with trauma support groups or peer networks to share experiences in a safe environment. 
  • Practice self-compassion and allow time for healing without pressure. 

support

Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.

Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.

Other resources 

  • SurvivorsUK provides support to male and non-binary survivors of sexual abuse and trauma.
  • The Scottish Women’s Aid is a 24-hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline. To get in touch call 0800 027 1234 or Message the text/WhatsApp service on 07401 288 595 or email helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
  • Trauma Healing Together offers specialised support for people affected by trauma, providing individual and group therapy sessions across Scotland. 
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