Reality of Emotional Trauma

Grief, Loss, and the Reality of Emotional Trauma

We often think of trauma as something loud and violent. But sometimes, trauma is quiet. It sneaks in through loss, grief, and the weight of moments we can’t forget. As someone who started their career in the fire service, followed by joining the military and currently serving as a police officer, I’ve seen the pain that lingers long after the chaos fades. I’ve seen the look in someone’s eyes when they’ve just lost a brother, a friend, a teammate, and they’re still expected to carry on like nothing happened.

It reminded me how many of us feel that no one sees the weight we carry.

Scripture Reflection — Psalm 34:18

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

This verse offers comfort in times of deep loss, assuring us that even in our darkest moments, God is near to the brokenhearted. It’s a reminder that your pain does not go unnoticed, not by God, and not by those of us who have walked a similar road.

In our BRAVE Together gatherings, the emotions that surface are real. The tears. The silence. The frustration. The desire to be strong while still falling apart inside. That’s why this space exists, to help people acknowledge that grief and trauma are valid. It’s not weakness. It’s the result of giving so much of yourself in service to others.

You might not always get the support you need at work or even from those closest to you. That’s why peer support is vital. When someone sits across from you and says, “I’ve been there,” healing starts. It’s not about fixing anyone. It’s about being present, holding space, and allowing the heart to breathe.

If you’ve experienced a loss, whether of a teammate, a part of yourself, or the innocence you once had before trauma changed you, I want you to know this: you are not alone. There is strength in acknowledging grief. There is power in choosing to heal. And there is deep hope in knowing that healing is possible, especially when you walk that path with others who understand.

Authored by BRAVE Together Founder, Matt Thompson, Washington State