This is a common question. Often times in our society we only talk about “Big T trauma.” These events typically involve a threat to a person's life or physical integrity, and they often exceed the individual's ability to cope with the experience.

However, Big T trauma is not the only trauma that exists. "Little t trauma" is a term used to describe the cumulative impact of relatively minor or everyday stressors and adverse experiences that can have a lasting effect on an individual's well-being. Little t traumas may include things like:

• Childhood Adversity: Mild neglect, emotional invalidation, or growing up in a dysfunctional family environment.
• Bullying: Persistent teasing, exclusion, or social rejection during childhood or adolescence.
• Loss or Rejection: Experiencing repeated losses, such as the death of a pet, or rejection in friendships or relationships.
• Chronic Stress: Prolonged exposure to ongoing stressors, such as financial difficulties, academic pressure, or work-related stress.
• Family Dysfunction: Growing up in a household with high levels of conflict, parental substance abuse, or mental health issues.

Even though each individual event may seem minor in isolation, the accumulation of these experiences can impact mental and emotional well-being over time. Little t traumas can influence a person's beliefs, coping mechanisms, and relationships, potentially contributing to issues like anxiety, depression, or difficulties forming and maintaining healthy connections with others.
It's important to recognize the significance of these smaller traumas and the potential long-term effects they can have on mental health. Therapy and other forms of support can be beneficial in addressing and processing both big T and little t traumas to promote healing and resilience.