Is trauma really that common—or is it just something war veterans go through?

This is one of the most common myths I hear—that trauma only affects people who’ve been to war or survived extreme events. In reality, trauma is much more common than most people realise, and it can look different for everyone.

Trauma is any experience that overwhelms your ability to cope and makes you feel unsafe, powerless, or alone. It can be:

• Childhood emotional neglect or bullying

• A toxic or abusive relationship

• Medical trauma or chronic illness

• A car accident, loss, or sudden life change

• Witnessing violence or instability growing up

You don't need to have a single "big event" to be traumatised. In fact, many people with anxiety, low self-worth, emotional dysregulation, or chronic tension are carrying unresolved trauma—often without even realising it.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2020), around 5–10% of Australians experience PTSD in their lifetime—and many more experience subclinical trauma symptoms.

The good news? Trauma is treatable. With therapies like EMDR, Schema Therapy, and somatic approaches, it’s possible to heal those wounds, build resilience, and stop repeating patterns that no longer serve you.