: Re: Giving a character trauma but not "diagnosing" her? In my post-apocalyptic novel, my MC Eris is severely traumatized by the death of her family at her own hands. Because of this, she has

@Ravi5107385

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Laymen often confuse "trauma", being "traumatized", and "post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)".

According to a WHO survey, about 70% of the world population experience traumatic events at least once in their lives. On average, a person experiences about 3 traumatic events in their lives. At the same time, only around 10 to 15% of these traumatized person develop PTSD. That means that

85 to 90% of traumatized persons never develop PTSD !

The numbers differ a bit between different trauma types. The highest prevalence of PTSD occurs among persons who have been abused by a care taker (e.g. sexual child abuse or neglect by a parent), the lowest prevalence among victims of events that weren't directed at them specifically (e.g. traffic accidents, natural catastrophes).

Whether people develop PTSD depends on what psychologists call their resources (e.g. mental stability, good childhood, supportive social network) or vulnerability (e.g. dysfunctional coping styles).

PTSD also isn't the same as grief or shock, both of which are normal reactions.

That said, Harry Potter and Katniss Everdeen apparently are among the large number of trauma victims that never develop PTSD.

How you handle your character – whether you want them to be unaffected, a little affected, or overwhelmed by their deed – is completely up to you. Everything is possible.

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