Not All Traumas Are the Same: Understanding the Complexities of PTSD

By Halcyon Wellness | Nampa, Idaho

When most people hear the term PTSD, they often think of combat veterans or survivors of extreme violence. And while those are very real and valid sources of trauma, they are far from the only ones.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that can stem from many different experiences—and it doesn’t always look the way people expect.

At Halcyon Wellness, we work with clients who are navigating the quiet, often invisible wounds of trauma. And one of the most powerful messages we offer is this:

Your trauma is valid—even if no one else saw it.

🌪️ What Is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares

• Hypervigilance or being easily startled

• Avoidance of people, places, or situations

• Emotional numbness or disconnection

• Feelings of shame, guilt, or helplessness

• Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or feeling safe

PTSD can show up days, months, or even years after the trauma.

🔍 Not All Trauma Is “Big T” Trauma

We often differentiate between:

• “Big T” Trauma: Events like assault, war, accidents, or natural disasters

• “Little t” Trauma: Ongoing emotional neglect, bullying, toxic relationships, or growing up in a chaotic or invalidating environment

While “little t” traumas may seem less severe, their accumulation over time can have just as serious an impact on the nervous system and mental health.

Examples of often-overlooked trauma:

• Being shamed or ignored consistently as a child

• Medical trauma from surgeries or chronic illness

• Losing a parent at a young age (even non-violently)

• Emotional or verbal abuse

• Betrayal by a trusted loved one

• Being a first responder or caregiver during crisis

• Living through a pandemic or community tragedy

🧠 Why PTSD Is So Complex

1. Trauma Is Subjective

What overwhelms one person may not affect another the same way. It doesn’t mean one person is weaker—it means our brains and bodies respond to perceived threat, not just actual danger.

2. The Brain Doesn’t “Forget”

PTSD is not a failure to “move on.” It’s your brain staying stuck in survival mode, long after the threat has passed. The nervous system doesn’t feel safe—even if logic says it should.

3. Symptoms Can Be Misunderstood

People with PTSD may seem irritable, withdrawn, forgetful, distracted, or overly emotional. These are not character flaws—they are signs of overload and self-protection.

💬 "But My Trauma Isn’t as Bad as Someone Else’s..."

This is something we hear often in therapy—and it’s a painful myth. Trauma is not a competition. Your pain is valid even if someone else “had it worse.” Healing begins when you stop minimizing your story.

🛠️ Healing from PTSD Is Possible

There is no one-size-fits-all path, but with the right support, people can and do recover from PTSD. At Halcyon Wellness, we offer:

• Trauma-informed therapy (including EMDR, CBT, and somatic work)

• Safe, compassionate spaces to process experiences without judgment

• Tools for nervous system regulation and grounding

• Support in building trust, safety, and self-worth

🌿 You Deserve to Heal

Whether your trauma is loud or quiet, recent or long ago, single-event or ongoing—you deserve care, compassion, and the chance to heal.

You are not broken. You are not “too sensitive.” You’re human. And your survival is a testament to your strength.

🤝 We’re Here When You’re Ready

If you think you might be experiencing PTSD or trauma-related symptoms, you don’t have to face it alone. We’re here to walk with you—at your pace, in your way.