Trauma Is Not the Event: It’s the Nervous System’s Response

When most people hear the word “trauma,” they think of major, life-threatening events—natural disasters, war, abuse, or serious accidents. But trauma is not defined solely by what happened. Rather, trauma is best understood as a person's physiological and psychological response to what happened.

This insight fundamentally shifts how we understand trauma and why some individuals experience long-term effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others exposed to similar events do not. As trauma researcher Dr. Gabor Maté explains, “Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.”

Trauma Is Subjective: It Lives in the Nervous System

Trauma is Not the Event

According to polyvagal theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, trauma occurs when the nervous system becomes dysregulated due to a perceived threat, and the body is unable to return to a state of safety or equilibrium (Porges, 2011). This means that two individuals can go through the same external event, and only one might experience it as traumatic. It’s not the objective details of the event that define trauma—it’s the individual’s internal response, influenced by biology, prior experiences, perceived safety, and available support.

For example, a child who experiences a car accident but is immediately comforted by caregivers, talked through the experience, and helped to process their fear may recover without developing chronic symptoms. Another child in the same crash, who is left alone, dismissed, or frightened further by adult reactions, might store the experience in their body as unresolved trauma.

Trauma’s Impact Is Shaped by What Happens Next

Research consistently shows that post-event support plays a crucial role in whether trauma develops into PTSD. A meta-analysis by Brewin, Andrews, and Valentine (2000) identified lack of social support as one of the strongest predictors of PTSD following trauma exposure. When people are able to tell someone about what happened—and they are believed, validated, and supported — they are more likely to experience emotional processing and healing. In contrast, if they are silenced, disbelieved, or ignored, the trauma is compounded and embedded more deeply.

This is especially significant for survivors of interpersonal trauma, such as sexual violence or domestic abuse. The response of others—whether they are met with empathy or scepticism—can influence the trajectory of their recovery (Ullman, 2007).

Coping Strategies Matter: Substance Use and Trauma Outcomes

How a person copes in the aftermath of trauma also affects whether it develops into chronic distress or PTSD. One common but high-risk coping strategy is substance use. Individuals who turn to alcohol or drugs immediately following a traumatic event may do so to numb emotional pain or escape flashbacks. Unfortunately, research shows that early substance use after trauma is associated with higher rates of PTSD (Jacobsen, Southwick, & Kosten, 2001).

Substances can interfere with the brain’s ability to consolidate and process memories properly and disrupt natural healing mechanisms. Moreover, substance use may prevent individuals from seeking or receiving the emotional support they need, creating a cycle of avoidance and prolonged suffering.

The Path to Healing Is Relational, Cognitive and Somatic

The good news is that trauma is not a life sentence. Because trauma resides in the nervous system, healing must involve the body as well as the mind. Somatic therapies, trauma-focused CBT, trauma-focused ACT, and approaches based on polyvagal theory help people process trauma not only cognitively, but also physiologically.

Equally important is relational healing—being seen, heard, and supported. Therapeutic relationships, community, and secure attachments are powerful tools in helping the nervous system find safety again.

Kristy Ambrose, MC, RCC

To book a counselling session with Kristy, click here.

References:

• Brewin, C. R., Andrews, B., & Valentine, J. D. (2000). Meta-analysis of risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in trauma-exposed adults. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(5), 748–766. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.68.5.748

• Jacobsen, L. K., Southwick, S. M., & Kosten, T. R. (2001). Substance use disorders in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder: A review of the literature. American Journal of Psychiatry, 158(8), 1184–1190. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.158.8.1184

• Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.

• Ullman, S. E. (2007). Relationship to perpetrator, disclosure, social reactions, and PTSD symptoms in child sexual abuse survivors. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 16(1), 19–36. https://doi.org/10.1300/J070v16n01_02