Calling Everything Trauma? A Psychiatrist Explains What the Term Really Means

JAKARTA — The term “trauma” is increasingly used in everyday conversation, particularly on social media. Experiences such as break-ups, friendship conflicts and work pressure are often described as traumatic. However, not every painful experience can be classified as psychological trauma.

Psychiatrist Dr Megha Agarwal said psychological trauma is an experience so overwhelming that it affects a person’s ability to cope. Its effects can last a long time and influence how someone thinks, feels and behaves.

“Today, many people go through a break-up and say they are traumatised by the relationship. Someone criticises them and they call it a traumatic experience. That is certainly painful, but it does not necessarily mean psychological trauma. Trauma is an overwhelming experience that affects your ability to cope with problems,” Dr Megha said, as quoted by the Hindustan Times on Sunday (11 October 2026).

How does stress differ from trauma? Dr Megha said stress is not the same as psychological trauma. Work pressure, relationship problems, exams and bad days can cause significant stress, but do not necessarily lead to psychological trauma.

“Trauma tends to have more prolonged effects. A traumatic experience can change how someone views safety, responds to different situations and forms relationships with other people,” she said.

Dr Megha urged people to look out for early signs of trauma. These include repeatedly recalling distressing, unwanted memories, having nightmares and tending to avoid things that bring the experience to mind.