Health · Mental Health · 1 day ago
Psychiatrist explains how psychological trauma differs from everyday stress
On World Mental Health Day, psychiatrist Dr Megha Agarwal of Kailash Deepak Hospital explained what psychological trauma means.
She said trauma can follow an overwhelming experience, such as abuse, violence or a serious accident, that leaves someone feeling extremely threatened or unsafe.
It can affect how a person thinks, feels or behaves over time.
Work pressure, relationship problems, exams and bad days can cause real distress, but they are not automatically trauma.
Unwanted memories or nightmares, avoiding reminders, feeling constantly unsafe, or problems with sleep and relationships may be signs to take seriously.
These signs do not by themselves mean someone has a trauma-related disorder, but support may help.
Recognising the difference can help people take distress seriously without labelling every painful experience as trauma.
Consultant psychiatrist Dr Megha Agarwal says psychological trauma is not the same as everyday emotional distress.
She describes trauma as an overwhelming experience that affects a person’s ability to cope and may change how they think, feel or behave.
Examples she gives include abuse, violence, a serious accident or feeling extremely threatened or unsafe.
Work pressure, relationship problems, exams and bad days can cause significant stress without necessarily being psychological trauma.
Agarwal says persistent unwanted memories, nightmares, avoidance, feeling unsafe, or problems with sleep and relationships may be signs to seek support.
- Who
- Consultant psychiatrist Dr Megha Agarwal of Kailash Deepak Hospital.
- What
- She explains how psychological trauma differs from everyday emotional distress.
- When
- The article was published on October 10, 2026, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- To clarify what psychological trauma means and why not every painful or stressful experience should be labelled trauma.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I think the word ‘trauma’ has become a little too casual in everyday conversations.
However, trauma tends to have a more lasting impact.
These reactions do not automatically mean that you have a trauma-related disorder, but they are signs that you may need support and should not ignore what you are experiencing.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Expert
- Dr Megha Agarwal
- Hospital
- Kailash Deepak Hospital
- Publication date
- October 10, 2026
- Occasion
- World Mental Health Day
- Examples of trauma
- Abuse, violence, a serious accident, or feeling extremely threatened or unsafe
Sources
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