Similar levels of exposure to traumatic events will affect individuals in different ways – some will exhibit resilient responses and continue life without any major disruption, whereas others will be significantly affected, emotionally, mentally and physically.
Many factors determine how a traumatic event will affect us and how we will respond, including:
- our personality / characteristics
- the presence of other mental health conditions
- previous exposure to traumatic events
- the type and characteristics of the event(s)
- our background and approach to handling emotions
- the level of other stressors or worries at the time (or later on)
- being harmed by people close to us
- whether we receive help or support.