Trauma is often thought of as a dramatic, life-changing event, but in reality, it exists on a spectrum. It affects not just the mind but the entire nervous system, shaping how we respond to stress, relationships, and even our own emotions. Dr Gabor Maté, a leading expert on trauma, defines it not as the event itself but as “what happens inside you as a result of what happened to you.” This shifts the focus from external circumstances to the internal impact, helping us understand why trauma manifests so differently in different people.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma can take many forms, but it is commonly divided into two categories. “Big T” trauma refers to overwhelming, life-threatening events such as physical or sexual abuse, natural disasters, serious accidents, or violent assaults. These experiences can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and significant nervous system dysregulation.
“Small t” trauma, while less dramatic, can be equally damaging over time. It includes experiences such as childhood emotional neglect, bullying, or prolonged stress in dysfunctional family environments. These experiences may not result in PTSD, but they can still shape a person’s nervous system, leading to chronic anxiety, self-doubt, or difficulty forming healthy relationships.
How Trauma Affects the Nervous System
The nervous system is designed to protect us, but trauma can disrupt its ability to regulate itself. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) has two primary branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which triggers the “fight or flight” response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which calms the body and restores balance.
When we experience trauma, the SNS can become overactive, leading to persistent hypervigilance, anxiety, and emotional reactivity. In more extreme cases, the nervous system may activate a “freeze”response, where the body shuts down, leading to feelings of numbness, dissociation, and even depression.
Dr Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory provides further insight into this process, explaining how trauma disrupts the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in social engagement and emotional regulation. When the nervous system remains stuck in a state of heightened alert or shutdown, it can make even safe situations feel threatening, leading to difficulties in relationships and everyday life.
Are We All Traumatised?
The answer to this question is both yes and no.
Trauma is universal in the sense that everyone encounters distressing experiences at some point in life. Loss, disappointment, rejection, and stress affect us all, and these experiences can shape how we see ourselves and the world. Studies on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) show that early life stress is linked to a wide range of physical and mental health challenges, from anxiety to chronic illness.
However, not everyone experiences trauma in a way that disrupts their nervous system long-term. Resilience, support systems, and individual coping mechanisms all play a role in determining how deeply an experience affects someone. While some people may developPTSD or chronic stress disorders, others may process painful experiences without lasting harm. Trauma is not just about what happens to us, but also about whether we have the resources— internal or external —to process and integrate it.
The Long-Term Impact of Trauma
Unresolved trauma can have significant consequences on both mental and physical health. Research shows that trauma can alter the structure and function of key brain areas, including the amygdala(which processes fear), the hippocampus (which regulates memory), and the prefrontal cortex (which controls emotional regulation and decision-making).These changes can make individuals more prone to anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and impulsive behaviours.
The long-term effects of trauma are not limited to mental health. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study found that individuals with higher ACE scores are significantly more likely to suffer from heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain. Trauma is stored in the body, influencing everything from inflammation to the immune system.
Healing from Trauma
Recovery from trauma is not about erasing the past but learning to navigate the present with greater resilience and self-compassion. Therapy can be a crucial part of this process, particularly approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic experiencing, and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), which help reprocess traumatic memories.
Since trauma is stored in the body, healing often requires more than just talking. Movement-based therapies such as yoga, breathwork, and grounding techniques can help regulate the nervous system and bring a sense of safety back into the body. Healing also happens in relationships, as safe and supportive connections can help rewire the nervous system and rebuild trust.
Dr Gabor Maté reminds us that “the essence of trauma is disconnection from the self.” Healing, therefore, is about more than understanding the past—it is about reconnecting with ourselves in the present.
The London Practice – Supporting Your Trauma Recovery
At The London Practice, we offer trauma-informed therapy tailored to your unique experiences. If you are struggling with the effects of trauma, support is available. Contact us today to begin your journey towards healing.