What Can Cause Trauma?

People can suffer psychological trauma from the direct or indirect exposure to violent or nonviolent experiences. These experiences can include, divorce, being a first responder, military service, being involved with the foster care system, physical or mental abuse, rape, death of loved ones, exposure to violence or drug use, neglect, having an incarcerated parent, and witnessing life threatening events such as a house fire, car accident, or natural disaster. The person experiences feelings of terror, helplessness, self blame and loss of safety. The experience of trauma causes many uncontrollable and debilitating physiological and psychological reactions. If there is no appropriate intervention provided these reactions can last continually or intermittently for many years after the experience.