Sometimes in life we go through experiences that overwhelm our ability to cope. Experiences might involve actual or threatened death or serious injury, or witnessing harm to others, where we feel intense fear or helplessness. These might include things like car accidents, physical or sexual assault or abuse, workplace accidents, or natural disasters, for example. We refer to these at traumatic events.
About 4 out of 5 North Americans have experienced a traumatic event during their lifetime.
Fortunately, most people recover from a traumatic event. However, a small number of people go on to develop persistent psychological symptoms that cause them distress and interfere with their day-to-day functioning. About 10% of people who experience a traumatic event develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
