70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives. That’s 223.4 million people. In public behavioral health, over 90% of clients have experienced trauma. Trauma is a risk factor in nearly all behavioral health and substance use disorders.

Trauma occurs when a person is completely overwhelmed by certain events or extreme circumstances. People suffering from trauma often respond with intense fear, horror, or feelings of helplessness.In some cases, the extreme stress brought on by trauma overwhelms a person’s capacity to cope. But people can, and do, recover from traumatic experiences every day.

Here is an infographic from the National Council explaining some of the warning signs of trauma, and some helpful tips on how to seek treatment and talk to your doctor.

Infographic provided courtesy of The National Council