What is Trauma?
What is a trauma reminder?
Something that reminds a person of a past traumatic experience and can bring back feelings, thoughts, or physical reactions associated with that experience.
Name three emotions someone might experience after a traumatic event?
- Fear
- Anger
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Shame
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Embarrassment
Someone has three options: avoid everything that reminds them of trauma, force themselves to confront every reminder immediately, or gradually work through reminders with support. Which is the healthiest approach and why?
Gradual, supported processing. Avoidance can reinforce fear, while forcing exposure too quickly can be overwhelming. Gradual exposure allows someone to build confidence and coping skills.
Mom notices her son is unusually quiet. She asks what's wrong, and he says, "Nothing. Leave me alone." What's a supportive response that respects his boundaries without withdrawing support?
What do you think....
Ex: "Okay, I'll give you some space. I'm here if you need me." She can check in later without repeatedly questioning him.
True or False:
Two people can experience the same event but respond to it differently.
True:
Everyone processes experiences differently. Responses can depend on age, past experiences, supports, and individual differences.
What are two physical signs that someone might be feeling stressed?
- Racing heart
- Sweaty hands
- Shaking
- Tight muscles
- Stomach discomfort
- Headaches
- Rapid breathing
Name one coping strategy that helps calm the body and one that helps express emotions.
Body: deep breathing or grounding.
Emotions: talking, journaling, or drawing.
A parent raises their voice during an argument. Their teenager suddenly shuts down. What should the parent consider before assuming the teenager is being disrespectful?
The raised voice may have activated a trauma reminder or stress response. The parent should consider what the behavior might be communicating rather than immediately interpreting it as defiance.
What are two ways trauma can affect someone's body?
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle tension
- Stomachaches
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling jumpy / on edge
Someone feels angry but underneath that anger they're actually scared. Why might anger show up instead of fear?
Anger can be a secondary emotion or protective response. Sometimes it's easier to express anger than to recognize or show vulnerability, fear, or hurt.
Someone plays video games after a stressful day. Is that a coping skill or avoidance?
It depends! Taking a break and enjoying something can be healthy coping. Using games to permanently escape feelings or responsibilities can become avoidance.
A teenager shares something upsetting. The parent immediately starts offering solutions. Why might this not always be helpful?
Sometimes people need validation and emotional support before problem-solving. Jumping into solutions can make someone feel unheard.
Why might someone feel scared or on edge when nothing bad is happening?
The brain's alarm system may remain extra sensitive after trauma. It may recognize something as a possible threat even when the person is currently safe.
A child isn't thinking about anything upsetting, but suddenly notices their heart racing and stomach hurting. What might their body be communicating?
Their nervous system may be responding to stress or a trauma reminder, even if they haven't consciously identified a trigger.
Why might someone need to practice coping skills when they're calm instead of waiting until they're extremely upset?
Practicing when calm builds familiarity and makes it easier to access those skills when the nervous system is activated.
Which is more supportive?
A. Asking your child every day if they're feeling better.
B. Creating a consistent environment where your child knows they can talk when they're ready.
B: Consistent availability can be more helpful than repeatedly checking whether symptoms have improved.
True or False:
Sometimes our brains react to something as if we're in danger even when we're actually safe.
True:
The brain can mistake a trauma reminder for present danger and activate the body's fight, flight, or freeze response.
Someone gets extremley upset when a friend raises their voice during an argument. Why might their reaction seem bigger than the situation itself?
The raised voice may resemble something associated with a past experience. Their brain may interpret it as danger and activate a protective response.
True or False:
If someone uses all their coping skills correctly, they should never feel anxious or upset again.
False:
Coping isn't about eliminating all uncomfortable emotions. It's about managing them in healthy ways.
A teenager becomes frustrated when his mom asks multiple questions about his day. What might mom be trying to accomplish, and how might the teenager experience it differently?
Mom may be trying to show interest and concern, while the teenager may experience it as pressure, interrogation, or a lack of privacy. Both perspectives can be valid.