Trauma

What is Trauma?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health (DSM-5) defines Trauma as an “actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence.” The interpretation of what is perceived to be traumatic is individualistic. However, the DSM-5, which is the manual of mental health, states that an incident is only considered a trauma if an individual experiences an actual or real threat of death, for example, a war or severe car accident, a serious injury, possibly loss of limbs or sexual violence. An individual can not claim to be traumatised from a minor incident less than what is stated in the definition. Trauma is real and can be life-changing.