Why Trauma Often Goes Unseen

Many people live with patterns of anxiety, stress or physical symptoms without realising that past experiences may still be shaping how they feel today.In this episode of The Choice Space, Dr Lee David speaks with Dr Susanna Petche, GP and founder of Trauma Sense, about why trauma is often missed – and how it can affect both mind and body in ways that are not always obvious.The conversation explores how trauma is frequently minimised or overlooked, both by individuals and within wider systems of care. They discuss how experiences that were never fully acknowledged can continue to influence how safe life feels, how we relate to others, and how we see ourselves.They also reflect on how trauma responses can show up in everyday ways – through anxiety, physical symptoms, or reactions that don’t seem to make sense. This includes the role of the body in holding stress, and how triggers can operate outside of conscious awareness.They explore how trauma can remain unrecognised for many years, sometimes being understood as anxiety, depression or physical health problems. This can make it harder for people to make sense of their experiences, and to find the right kind of support.The discussion highlights the importance of being seen and believed, and how simple, human responses can support healing. They explore the role of self-compassion, curiosity and body-based approaches in helping people begin to make sense of their experiences.This is a thoughtful conversation about recognising trauma, offering a more compassionate and realistic way to understand ourselves and others.Key moments00:00 Personal experience of trauma04:16 Why trauma is often missed05:03 Minimising and dismissing trauma07:28 Trauma and loss of safety09:17 Why validation matters10:12 Trauma, shame and self-blame17:36 Signs of trauma responses21:57 Understanding triggers24:01 The Choice Pause27:46 Self-compassion and healing32:05 Starting to make sense of traumaAbout the guestDr Susanna Petche is a GP with over 25 years’ experience and the founder of Trauma Sense. Her work focuses on improving understanding of trauma and its wider impact on health. She integrates insights from neuroscience, functional medicine and coaching to support individuals and professionals. Through her teaching, speaking and clinical work, she aims to bring greater awareness to how trauma can be recognised and understood in everyday life.You can contact Susanna via her website, Instagram and watch her TEDx talkAbout the hostDr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david), Facebook and LinkedIn.  You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here:  https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david