Trauma is generally understood as a psychological and physiological response to an event, series of events, or ongoing conditions that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope, leaving a lasting imprint on the nervous system, mind, and sense of self.

It isn’t just about what happened—it’s about how the body and mind experienced it. What overwhelms one person may not overwhelm another, because trauma depends on internal resources, previous experiences, and the degree of support or safety available at the time.

Anxiety is the body’s natural alarm system, alerting us to potential danger or uncertainty. It shows up as worry, nervousness, or unease and is often accompanied by physical sensations like a racing heart, tight muscles, or restlessness. In moderation, anxiety can help us prepare, focus, and respond to challenges.

When anxiety becomes excessive or persistent, it shifts from being protective to disruptive. The mind stays preoccupied with “what ifs,” and the body remains tense as though danger is always present. This ongoing state of hyper-alertness can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Depression can be understood as disappointment that has turned inward and become prolonged. When the things we hope for, expect, or deeply need don’t come to fruition, the natural response is disappointment. If those experiences are repeated or remain unresolved, disappointment can accumulate and weigh heavily on the heart. Instead of moving through grief or frustration, the energy collapses into sadness, numbness, or hopelessness.

From this perspective, depression is unhealed disappointment. It carries the weight of unmet longings and repeated letdowns, shaping thoughts of futility and draining vitality. What begins as a normal emotional response to loss or failure becomes a persistent state when the mind and body cannot process or release it, leaving a person stuck in resignation and disconnection from life.

Sexual abuse is any sexual activity imposed on a person without their free and informed consent. It can involve physical contact, such as unwanted touching or assault, as well as non-contact acts like exposure, harassment, or exploitation. What defines it is not just the act itself, but the violation of boundaries, autonomy, and safety.

At its core, sexual abuse is an abuse of power. It disregards a person’s right to control their own body and can leave deep emotional, psychological, and physical scars. Because of the betrayal and loss of agency involved, sexual abuse often leads to feelings of shame, confusion, and mistrust, along with long-term impacts on self-worth, relationships, and the nervous system.

Stress is the body’s natural response to pressure, challenge, or demand. It activates the nervous system to release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, preparing us to take action—what’s often called the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In small doses, stress can be useful, sharpening focus and giving us energy to meet life’s demands.

Stress becomes harmful when it is intense, prolonged, or without relief. In these cases, the body and mind remain on high alert, leading to exhaustion, irritability, trouble concentrating, and physical strain. Over time, chronic stress can erode resilience, impact relationships, and contribute to physical and mental health problems.

Narcissistic abuse is a pattern of emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical harm inflicted by someone with strong narcissistic traits or a diagnosed narcissistic personality disorder. It often involves manipulation, control, and exploitation, where the abuser disregards the other person’s needs, feelings, and boundaries in order to maintain power or feed their own self-image.

This form of abuse can include gaslighting, constant criticism, love-bombing followed by devaluation, withholding affection, or using charm and intimidation to dominate. Over time, the victim may feel confused, powerless, and disconnected from their own sense of reality and worth. Narcissistic abuse leaves deep emotional scars, as it erodes trust in oneself and in relationships.