Journal of Trauma & Treatment

Psychological Trauma

Abstract

Kathleen Fedric

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), trauma is “an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster”. However, a person may experience traumaas a response to any event they find physically or emotionally threatening or harmful. A traumatized person can feel a range of emotions both immediately after the event and in the long term. They may feel overwhelmed, helpless, shocked, or have difficulty processing their experiences. Trauma can also cause physical symptoms. Trauma can have long-term effects on the person’s well-being. If symptoms persist and do not decrease in severity, it can indicate that
the trauma has developed into a mental health disorder called posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).