An event becomes traumatic when it breaks our protective cover and leaves us feeling overwhelmed and helpless.

Traumatic experiences have many forms. Traffic accidents, falls, operations, serious illnesses, injuries, the loss of a close person, neglect in childhood or prenatal threats in the womb are just as much a part of this as war, natural disasters or sexual violence.

Even seemingly ordinary events such as medical treatments, a dog bite, and watching violence on television can traumatize.