What do we mean by a Traumatic Event?

When traumatic events cause emotional injury and damage a person's normal coping resources, this is known as traumatic stress. The continuing physical and psychological reactions to the trauma are known as traumatic stress responses (which include post-traumatic stress disorder). These reactions can be so strong and overwhelming that the sufferer may feel they are 'going mad' or 'losing control'; indeed, the symptoms of these reactions can interact with each other in a kind of 'vicious circle' of responses, which keep the cycle going. 

To overcome the effects of trauma it is necessary to change these reactions and begin to see events in a different light.