Big T and little t trauma

Another way you may hear people talk about trauma is by talking about Big T vs. Little t Trauma

Big T Trauma refers to major, life-threatening events, things like abuse, accidents, natural disaster, or war. These experiences that most people would agree are traumatic, and that meet the definition of trauma as defined in the DSM 5. 💔

Little t Trauma involves “smaller” stressors that are often chronic and which accumulate over time to cause mental and emotional issues. These might include experiences of bullying, discrimination, emotional neglect, poverty, infidelity, divorce, legal trouble, or chronic illness.

This distinction was originally intended to identify types of experiences that are indeed traumatic but do not fall in the category of Big T trauma.

However, I am not a fan of these categorizations as I feel it leaves people with the impression that their attachment wounding and resulting distress and dysfunction are being minimized. And I find many of my clients already struggle with minimizing their hurt.

Both types of trauma are real. Both can result in symptoms and dysfunction in one’s understanding of themselves, others and the world. Both deserve compassion. Both require healing. 💙

Remember: No trauma is “too small” to matter. Your experiences are valid, and it’s okay to seek help, no matter what your journey looks like. 🌟

#MentalHealthMatters #BigTVersusLittleT #TraumaHealing #HealingJourney #MentalHealthAwareness