As humans, our experiences—both positive and negative—leave lasting marks on us. While we naturally try to avoid traumatic events, trauma is an inevitable part of life for many. Like joyful moments, traumatic experiences shape us, though often in more profound ways.
While it’s natural to want to shield ourselves and our loved ones from trauma, striving to avoid all traumatic situations can be unrealistic and may even increase anxiety. A more practical approach is learning about trauma, understanding how to cope when it arises, and building resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is more common than many realize, affecting roughly 5-10% of Australians. Since not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, the number of people impacted by trauma is even higher. Many people with PTSD go undiagnosed, unaware that their symptoms stem from trauma. Fortunately, trauma-focused psychological treatments and counselling are highly effective in helping individuals heal.
Trauma is a natural response to deeply distressing or disempowering situations. It can occur when we experience or witness events that are overwhelming or outside the realm of normal life.
Events that leave you feeling helpless or trigger extreme fear are likely to cause trauma. Some people may also feel numb or detached during or after these experiences.
When faced with trauma, the body triggers a fear response: racing heart, sweaty palms, brain freeze, and restlessness. This "fight, flight, or freeze" response is meant to help us cope in dangerous situations.
In the case of PTSD, these fear responses linger long after the traumatic event has passed, causing ongoing distress. People with PTSD may feel persistently unsafe, hypervigilant, or detached from reality, even when no immediate threat exists. This chronic stress response is what we call Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
When trauma is not processed, or when it’s processed in a distorted way, its psychological and physical effects can persist for years. PTSD often feels intrusive, stemming from deeply distressing events—such as surviving a natural disaster, war, or sexual violence. Everyday triggers can cause unexpected, overwhelming reactions even in the absence of actual danger.
PTSD affects around 8% of women and 5% of men in Australia. Despite this, many people with PTSD hesitate to seek help due to fear, stigma, or discomfort in discussing the trauma. People with complex trauma often have difficulty feeling safe speaking out or worry about being negatively labeled.
Trauma and PTSD symptoms often overlap with anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or substance abuse, making them difficult to identify.
It’s crucial for individuals experiencing trauma or PTSD symptoms to access professional help. Trauma often negatively impacts relationships, careers, and overall well-being. Trauma-informed therapy is a highly effective method for processing and resolving these issues, leading to significant improvements in daily life.
Whether trauma is personal, generational, a single incident, or long-lasting, processing it is key to moving beyond the constant fear and anxiety it creates.
Scientific research strongly supports the effectiveness of trauma-focused therapies for long-term recovery. These therapies help individuals confront their trauma in a controlled, safe environment rather than avoiding it, which often perpetuates suffering.
A skilled trauma therapist creates a supportive space where you can process the traumatic experience and regain a sense of control and safety.
Experienced trauma counsellors help individuals regain control over painful memories, empowering them to process the trauma safely. Quality trauma counselling equips people with tools to manage distress, become more resilient, and move forward in life.
While therapy isn’t a quick fix, it plays a key role in recovery, offering new perspectives on traumatic experiences. Rebuilding after trauma is challenging, but many people go on to lead fulfilling, enriched lives.
If you are ready to seek help and support in coping with trauma, look for a counsellor or psychologist in Melbourne that is trained and experienced in working with trauma, trauma-informed therapies and PTSD.
Our team of intake consultants can help you to find a trained and certified trauma therapist. For appointments or enquiries, please call 1300 735 030 or leave us an email via our contact page.
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Childhood trauma can have lasting effects that carry into adulthood, sometimes reemerging in unexpected ways. Children who’ve experienced trauma often develop a heightened stress response, making them more sensitive to perceived threats. This can affect emotional regulation and contribute to a range of mental and physical health issues, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, obesity, and even heart disease.