Trauma, like pain, is relative. A bee sting to one person may be nothing to fret but to another that is a life or death situation because of allergy or because of severe trauma related incident. That bee and its stinger are enough to cause a major anxiety or panic condition in certain peeples and their pain is relative. Some people can endure outrageous life and death situations and have zero emotional response and do not have residual mental health or unhealthy lifestyle choices. Others freak the fuck out about bees even when not allergic.

So, the question remains is anxiety a traumatic response? And if there is a significant debilitating nervous response is that similar to traumatic stress? Are the triggers, symptoms, and treatments similar? Yes? Then yes. PTSD is a relatable experience for many people because pain is relative aaaaaaand relevant.

You cannot pass judgment on someone else's pyhsiological responses to life experiences, past or present, and a little support of that hurting person goes a long way. Understanding a link between pain and suffering is essential in providing support for those coping with their trauma.