Trauma can affect how we experience safety, connection, and the world around us.

For some people, trauma comes from a specific event such as an accident, medical crisis, or act of violence. For others, trauma develops gradually through repeated experiences of stress, instability, or emotionally unsafe environments.

These experiences might include:

• chronic stress or burnout
• emotionally unsafe relationships or family systems
• religious trauma or high-control environments
• cultural or systemic injustice
• identity-related trauma, including discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, or ability

Regardless of how it develops, trauma can have lasting effects on both the mind and body.