A traumatic experience is very shocking and upsetting, and may cause psychological damage. I suffered a nervous breakdown. It was a traumatic experience. a traumatic experience is so shocking and upsetting that it affects you for a long time
causing physical or especially psychological injury; "a stabbing remark"; "few experiences are more traumatic than losing a child"; "wounding and false charges of disloyalty"
any condition that develops following some stressful situation or event; such as sleep disturbance, recurrent dreams, withdrawal or lack of concentration
disorder characterized by illusions that a past traumatic event is recurring and severe reaction to stress-inducing stimuli (often affects veterans and victims of violence), PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental illness that can develop after someone has been involved in a very bad experience such as a war. PTSD a mental illness which can develop after a very bad experience such as a plane crash. Psychological reaction occurring after a highly stressing event, characterized by depression, anxiety, flashbacks, recurrent nightmares, and avoidance of reminders of the event. The traumatic events can include automobile accidents, rape or assault, military combat, torture, incarceration in a concentration camp, and such natural disasters as floods, fires, or earthquakes. Long-term effects include marital and family problems, difficulties at work, and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Psychotherapy, including group therapy, is used in treating the disorder