The Impacts of Trauma: Understanding, Healing, and Finding Support

When we talk about trauma, most people think of extreme or obvious events like war, accidents, or abuse. But trauma isn’t just about what happened. Trauma is about what happened inside of you as a result of your experiences. That’s why two people can go through the same event and walk away with very different outcomes. If you’ve ever wondered whether your own story “counts” as trauma, or worried about how therapy might bring up painful memories, you’re not alone. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common questions people ask about trauma and what the answers can mean for you.

How do I know if I'm struggling with the impacts of trauma?

Trauma isn’t measured by the event itself but by the impact it had on you. You may have lived through something that looked minor from the outside, yet it left you with lasting pain or fear. Or maybe you went through something obviously devastating, but what hurt the most was that you had to carry it all alone.

One of the biggest struggles for people who have experienced trauma is the silence that often follows. When we hold painful events inside, without support or validation, we can start to believe the story that we were somehow responsible. That guilt and shame can become heavier than the event itself.

If you didn’t feel safe enough to turn to someone at the time, that’s already a sign of how deeply it affected you. Trauma often shows up in the way we learn to hide, to protect ourselves, or to stop trusting the people closest to us. If your experience has left you carrying that weight, it counts as trauma, and it matters.

Will therapy make me dig up painful memories I’m not ready for?

This is one of the most common fears about therapy, and a big misconception. Therapists don’t have the power to “unlock” or expose memories you’re not ready to look at. We can’t read your mind or dig deeper than you allow.

What actually matters most in therapy is whether you feel safe and comfortable with the person sitting across from you. For many people, therapy is the first time they’ve been able to test out trust, sharing pieces of themselves without fear of judgment or rejection.

You’re always in the driver’s seat. You get to choose what you share, when you share it, and how fast you want to go. Healing doesn’t happen on a schedule. However you move through therapy is the right way for you.

Can you help if I don’t remember everything that happened?

Absolutely. Our brains are wired to protect us from pain. Sometimes that means we remember only parts of what we went through. Other times, memories return slowly, in pieces, when we’re ready to handle them.

Therapy doesn’t require a complete memory timeline. We work with what you do know and what you’re currently feeling in your body, mind, and relationships. Sometimes new memories or insights show up as you create more space for them, but you’ll never be forced to go somewhere you’re not ready to go.

You get to set the boundaries. If a painful memory surfaces and you’re not ready to process it, you can say so. That choice belongs to you.

How do trauma and addiction connect?

Not everyone who experiences trauma develops an addiction. But most people who struggle with addiction have some kind of trauma in their background. Here’s why:

• Internal changes: Trauma isn’t just an event, it leaves an imprint inside of us, changing how we process emotions and how we cope with stress.

• Coping and relief: Trauma can disrupt the brain’s endorphin system, making people more sensitive to pain and more drawn to the temporary relief drugs or alcohol provide.

• Isolation: Trauma often erodes our ability to trust, making it hard to reach out for support. Many people end up turning inward and relying only on themselves, even when it becomes overwhelming.

Humans are wired for connection. We heal in safe, supportive relationships. When trauma interrupts that natural bond, addiction can step in to fill the gap. That’s why recovery isn’t just about quitting substances, it’s about finding new ways to connect, trust, and build safe spaces for yourself.

Final Thoughts

The impacts of trauma show up in unique ways for each of us, but one truth stays the same: healing is possible. Whether you carry clear memories or vague feelings, whether you’re just starting to wonder if what you went through “counts,” or whether you’re navigating trauma alongside addiction, you don’t have to do it alone.

Therapy offers a space where your pace matters, your story matters, and your healing matters. You’re in the driver’s seat, and support is available when you’re ready to reach for it.

About the Author

Orli is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with over 12 years of experience helping hundreds of clients find long-term sustainable recovery from addiction. She is passionate about providing a safe space for her clients to explore the deepest parts of themselves so they can experience the freedom of living as authentically as possible. Research shows that we develop additional dopamine and serotonin receptors when we’re in meaningful connection with others so if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or ADHD, please reach out because connection is the foundation of recovery.