Trauma is subjective and defined by the person experiencing the event. It can be simple in nature and pretty straightforward like a car accident for example. Being wounded in a car accident or watching someone else who is hurt or being firghtened beyond what a person can handle is considered a small "t" trauma. It's simple in that it's easier to understand. Then you have big "T" traumas that are experienced as long-time overwhelming or unresolved issues usually containing elements of betrayal by a caregiver or loved one. This can be reframed as Complex-Trauma. It's sometimes multi-layered and complicated by motives and intentions of those involved. Either way, it's subjective and the person who goes through it is called a survivor.
- frontporchcoach