Fact sheets

When you experience trauma, you are often in fear, confused, and feeling helpless and trapped in the moment. Many people with trauma experiences cope well and quickly become calm again.

Having been abused, neglected or exploited, or experiencing repeated violence can leave you struggling to just feel okay. Some people with complex trauma experiences have never felt okay.

Trauma activates the stress response. This is known as a fight, flight and freeze response. It can cause people to be agitated (hyper-aroused). It can also make people shut down (hypoaroused).

Many survivors find it hard to manage their distress or soothe themselves. That’s because complex trauma, especially from childhood makes managing everyday stress difficult.

Caring for yourself is often challenging for people who have experienced complex trauma including childhood trauma and abuse. You don’t have to do anything complicated to care for yourself. You can do very simple things, whatever you can manage.

All of us need to take time out from stress. This includes the possible triggers of being around people. This is particularly important when we have experienced complex trauma, especially from childhood.

Polyvagal Theory is widely used in trauma therapy, trauma-informed practice, and clinical training. We talk about nervous system regulation without overstating Polyvagal science.

Belonging supports the body in ways that go beyond words or intention. Someone can be surrounded by people and still not feel that they belong. For healing to occur, it is not just connection that matters but safe, consistent experiences of belonging.

Many therapists describe their practice as “trauma-informed”. However, supporting people living with complex trauma or dissociation often requires specialist training and experience.

This fact sheet provides clear, evidence-based information about Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and can support a better understanding of DID.

Many people who were sexually abused as children do not tell anyone about their abuse until they are adults. Some people never tell anyone. This fact sheet helps you better understand disclosure.

After you disclose childhood sexual abuse, you may experience many different emotions. This fact sheet provides some information for support.