What sets trauma apart is its lasting imprint. The intense emotions and memories associated with the traumatic event can persist long after the experience itself. And if trauma is left unprocessed and untreated, it can, over time, become stuck in your nervous system and develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Big T vs. Little t Trauma:

Big T Trauma

Big T Trauma refers to significant, life-threatening events that cause extreme distress. These are the types of trauma that often result in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or severe emotional and physical reactions. Examples of Big T trauma include:

• Natural disasters

• Physical or sexual assault

• Combat or war experiences

• Severe accidents

• Life-threatening illnesses

These events tend to have an immediate and noticeable impact, often leaving a person feeling unsafe, overwhelmed, and disconnected.

Little t Trauma

Little t Trauma involves less dramatic but still distressing experiences. These might not seem as "big" as major traumatic events, but they can still significantly impact your emotional well-being over time. Examples of Little t trauma include:

• Chronic criticism or emotional neglect from parents or caregivers, which can gradually impact self-esteem and create feelings of worthlessness.

• Workplace stress or harassment, especially when ongoing, can lead to feelings of anxiety, powerlessness, or burnout.

• Frequent moves or instability during childhood, causing disruption in friendships, routines, and a sense of security.

• Enduring relational conflicts in long-term relationships, such as marital tension, controlling behavior, or emotional abuse that may not seem "severe" but builds up over time.

• Bullying or social rejection in school or social settings, leading to a sense of isolation or fear of not belonging.

• Financial stress or ongoing poverty, creating a constant sense of insecurity or fear about the future.

• Medical issues that aren't life-threatening but are chronic, like dealing with a long-term illness or recurring health problems.

Little t traumas can lead to PTSD or other trauma-related symptoms, although this is less common than with Big T traumas. While Little t traumas may not be as immediately overwhelming, when they occur repeatedly or in combination, they can accumulate and have a profound impact on a person's emotional and psychological health. This is especially true if the individual already has a vulnerability, such as a history of trauma or a lack of support.

For instance, ongoing emotional neglect, bullying, or relational conflicts might not seem as life-threatening as a major accident or assault, but over time, they can erode a person’s sense of safety, self-worth, and emotional resilience. In some cases, this accumulation can lead to symptoms of Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) or other anxiety disorders, particularly when there’s no space for processing or healing.

So while Little t traumas are less likely to result in PTSD immediately, they still hold the potential to cause significant distress, especially if left unaddressed.