Understanding Trauma
What is trauma?
an emotional response to a very upsetting event that is hard to cope with.
What does the amygdala do? give one example
Amygdala = fear / danger detector.
What does ACE stand for?
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Why might someone jump at loud noises? (which part of the brain)
Amygdala — explains being easily startled.
Give one example of a traumatic event
Examples include bullying, losing a loved one, natural disasters, abuse, homelessness, poverty, exposure to addiction.
What does the hippocampus help with?
Hippocampus = memory / puts events in order.
give examples of and ACE
Examples: abuse, neglect, parental separation, living with someone with mental illness/addiction, losing someone.
Name one adult at school who can help when you feel upset.
No correct answer
Define Acute and chronic trauma
Acute = one big event; Chronic = many events over time.
If the prefrontal cortex is tired, what can be hard to do?
Prefrontal cortex tired → hard to make decisions, focus, or control impulses.
Why do many ACEs matter?
Many ACEs can cause long-term problems like trouble learning or health issues.
What helps you calm down?
no correct answer
examples:
a quiet corner, loud music, bright lights?
What is complex trauma? Say one simple example
Complex = many traumatic events over time (example: ongoing abuse and family instability).
list one behavior you might see for the following:
Amygdala
Hippocampus
Prefrontal cortex
Amygdala → startled; Hippocampus → forgets; Prefrontal → acts without thinking.
List two health things that can happen later in your life due to trauma and ACES
Linked outcomes: depression, anxiety, heart disease risk, academic struggles.
Name one way trauma might show up at school
School signs: withdrawal, avoiding group work, starting fights, not finishing work
How could being scared a lot and forgetting things make school hard?
overactive fear system + trouble with memory → student may be anxious and have trouble remembering lessons.
Give one example of a protective factor
Protective factor example: a caring adult — gives safety, models coping, connects to help