Trauma means a deeply distressing disturbing experience. Have you ever experienced trauma? If so, how did you deal with it? A traumatic experience such as a car accident or a natural disaster may last only for a short time, while other traumatic experiences such as war, persecution, bullying, discrimination and so on can last for a long time. One thing common to all these traumatic experiences is its lasting effect. People who have experienced a form of trauma often have to deal with their pain for a long time afterwards. The damaging effect of trauma may lead people to change their identity.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events, or trauma. Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt. They may also have problems sleeping, which significantly impacts the person’s day-to-day life.

Here are some types of events that can cause PTSD:

• Serious road accidents

• Violent personal assaults, such as sexual assault, mugging or robbery

• Prolonged sexual abuse, violence or severe neglect

• Witnessing violent deaths

• Military combat

• Being held hostage

• Terrorist attacks

• Natural disasters, such as severe floods, earthquakes or tsunamis