For many of us, trauma can be challenging to define and even more challenging to talk about.

It’s not always the circumstances of an event that determine whether or not it is traumatic for a person but how the experience made a person feel in that moment. The more helpless, overwhelmed, out of control or scared a person feels during an event, the more likely it is to be traumatic.

It’s also important to remember that while trauma is often associated with events that threaten our lives or safety, something can be traumatic even if it didn’t involve physical harm. News about natural disasters, gun violence and other distressing events can lead to a trauma response.

Here are some ways you can support yourself and your fellow Buffs.