Separating Fact from Fiction: Unpacking 5 Common Myths About Trauma

Easy ways to distinguish narratives about trauma from the truth

For many, the word "trauma" conjures images of significant, life-altering events—a car accident, a natural disaster, or a combat experience. However, this narrow definition often prevents people from seeking the help they need. As a trauma therapist, I've seen firsthand how misconceptions about trauma can act as barriers to healing. It's a term I have a love/hate relationship with because while it provides a framework for understanding deep-seated issues, its misinterpretation can lead people to believe their experiences "aren't that bad." This often results in clients feeling stuck, believing they have "always been anxious" or that "something is wrong" with them, when in reality, they are simply experiencing the lingering effects of an overwhelming event.

In this post, we'll debunk five of the most common myths about trauma. By distinguishing these narratives from the truth, we can help people find the most helpful types of treatment and stop getting stuck in a cycle of ineffective coping strategies. Understanding what trauma is—and what it isn't—is the first step toward genuine healing and recovery.

Myth # 1: Trauma is defined by an experience

The most pervasive myth is that trauma is defined by an experience. The truth is, trauma is a neurobiological response to an overwhelming threat, not the event itself. In The Guardian article here, trauma expert Dr. Gabor Maté explains, "Trauma, from the Greek word for 'wound', is not what happens to you; it is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you." It's the "concussion" that results from the "blow on the head." This distinction is critical because it validates the internal struggle, regardless of the external event.

Many clients deny they have experienced trauma because their specific situation wasn't "that bad" compared to others. This belief can prevent them from accessing beneficial treatment and can lead to a long-term battle with anxiety, overstimulation, and a feeling of disinterest in life. When you treat the underlying stress—the response—the symptoms naturally begin to decrease.

Myth #2: Trauma is a sign of weakness

Another common myth is that trauma is a sign of weakness. This couldn't be further from the truth. Trauma can happen to anyone, and your response to it is not a flaw in your character. It is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. Just as a broken arm requires a specialist, so too do the psychological and emotional wounds of trauma. Society's response to a physical injury is often immediate and empathetic, but a period of intense emotional stress is often met with the harmful idea that you should "just get over it."

Myth #3: You should just “get over it”

This brings us to a third myth: the belief that you should just "get over it." Trauma can have lasting effects on both your mental and physical health. The mind and body are not separate; they are deeply connected. Consider the language we use for both physical and emotional pain—we are "heartbroken," "stressed out," or "weighed down." This is because emotional wounds can manifest as physical pain. Treating trauma is a process, and it takes time and specialized care, just like recovering from a broken bone.

Myth #4: Processing it makes it worse

Many people also believe that processing it makes it worse. They may have had experiences with unskilled providers or traditional talk therapy that felt overwhelming. However, modern approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) rely on the body to guide the process, meaning you don't always have to find the words to describe what happened. In many cases, intellectualizing an experience can actually get in the way of treatment. I like to compare this process to cleaning out a junk closet. To truly organize it, you have to pull everything out and make a temporary mess before you can put things back in a clean, organized way. It's the same with trauma—you must process the memories before you can integrate them in a healthy way.

Myth # 5: Therapy is only for people who are mentally ill

Finally, the myth that therapy is only for people who are mentally ill prevents many from seeking help. Trauma therapy isn't just for those with a formal diagnosis. It's for anyone experiencing symptoms of intense stress, whether it's anxiety, panic, overstimulation, or a general feeling of disconnection. These symptoms are often a survival response to stress. Approaching each one separately can lead to long-term, frustrating therapy. By addressing the root cause—the trauma—you create a foundation for lasting change.

The myths surrounding trauma can be a significant barrier to healing. By understanding that trauma is a response, not a weakness, and that it requires specialized treatment, you can begin to build a path toward recovery. If you've been struggling with anxiety, panic, or a feeling of being stuck, it may be time to reframe your experience and consider how past events may be impacting your present.

If you're ready to explore these connections and learn how to address the underlying stress that's causing your symptoms, consider taking the next step. Contact me to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward lasting change.