What is TRAUMA?
A trauma is a scary, dangerous, or violent event that can happen to any or all members of a family. Some types of trauma that families go through are:
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What is Traumatic Stress?
Everyone gets stressed out every once in a while. At any time, a members of any family may worry about staying safe or getting very sick. But when "bad things happen," such as a trauma event, some family members may become very upset and show signs of traumatic stress. They may:
- Feel numb or shock
- Avoid people and places that remind them of the event
- Have nightmares or strong memories of the event, as if re-living it
- Be very afraid, angry, or sad
- Have trouble sleeping or paying attention
- Fell helpless and hopeless
- Be very tired and worn out
- Have aches and pains
Things Families Can Do To Cope With Traumatic Stress:
It is natural to want to "put the past behind you" and not to think or talk about the bad things that happened. While each person in the family may behave differently, families can manage fear and stress and feel safer when they spend time together talking about their feelings, return to everyday routines, respect family rules, and honor family traditions.
Some families get better with time and the support of others, while other families may need help from trauma treatments. When seeking help, your family can:
Some families get better with time and the support of others, while other families may need help from trauma treatments. When seeking help, your family can:
- Talk to a doctor, school social worker, school psychologist, or spiritual leader about the family's trauma event
- Find a mental health provider who has helped families overcome traumatic stress
- Look for trauma treatments that help all members of the family:
- Feel safe
- Learn about trauma and its effects
- Cope with difficulties caused by the trauma
- Recognize and build on the family's strengths
- Talk about ways to get the family back on track
