01/29/2026
I wanted to share this post because I hear "trauma" overused in daily conversations and it causes harm saying everything experienced is "trauma". As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) I wanted to point out language shapes our thoughts and emotions, as well as healing so choose your words with care.
Not every painful experience is trauma — and that distinction matters. When every discomfort or setback is labeled as trauma, it can blur the lines between genuine psychological injury and normal human struggle.
Overusing the word “trauma” can:
1. Make real trauma survivors feel unseen or invalidated.
2. Encourage people to identify with pain instead of recovery.
3. Turn everyday challenges into permanent identities rather than temporary experiences.
Healing begins with clarity. Recognizing what’s truly trauma — and what’s simply difficult — allows space for growth, resilience, and genuine recovery.
