“Big T” trauma refers to significant, major traumatic events involving actual (or anticipated) serious injury, violence, and threat to life.

These events are widely acknowledged as trauma and can include experiences such as: natural disasters, serious accidents, physical and sexual assault, war and terrorism, the witnessing of violence, or the sudden loss of a loved one.

While every person experiences trauma differently, big T traumas often result in intense emotional reactions and have a significant negative impact on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Big T traumas are like a tidal wave that hits, sometimes without warning. They knock us off our feet and, often times, make it difficult to get back up without support.

“Little t” trauma refers to ongoing or repeated exposure to distressing and disturbing events that have a cumulative negative impact on a person’s mental health and physical well-being.

These moments, while not life-threatening, are still traumas because they cause ongoing distress.

Little t traumas can include experiences such as emotional abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination, chronic illness, or financial stress.

While each individual event may not be as severe as a big T trauma, the cumulative effect of these repeated experiences can be significant and may lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental and physical health issues.

Little t traumas are like drops of water filling a bathtub. At some point, the stressors become so numerous that they exceed our ability to cope and the tub overflows.