What the Heck is Trauma?
What is trauma?
What is a trauma symptom/reaction?
A way our body, mind, and spirit behave as a result of the traumatic event.
What are triggers?
A person, place, situation, or thing that contributes to an emotional and/or behavioral reaction. It could feel like our feelings are exploding, making it hard to concentrate or feel present and in the moment.
Is domestic violence a trauma?
What are coping skills?
Healthy ways to deal with and work through emotions!
How do you know you've been through trauma?
If you think about it often, can't seem to "get over" the issue, have nightmares, or any other negative reaction when you think about or remember the incident.
Is this a trauma reaction?: sleeping more or sleeping less
If someone was in a car accident, what kinds of things might trigger them?
Cars, horns, ambulances, roads...
What kind of trauma might make someone scared of dogs or big animals?
Getting bit by a dog
No! Everyone is different and some things just don't work for some people.
Where can traumatic events happen?
Anywhere! Home, school, the grocery store...
True or false: Our bodies know we've experienced trauma even if we don't remember it happening.
True! This is why on the anniversary of a traumatic event, we often feel sad or hurt or overwhelmed.
If someone witnesses or experiences domestic violence, what might trigger them?
Yelling, arguing, fights, mean words...
Is a house fire a trauma?
Yes!
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the ability to be in the present moment where you are. Some things that help us practice mindfulness is playing I-Spy, doing yoga or meditation, grounding techniques, and mindful eating.
What should you do if you think you've experienced trauma?
Tell someone who loves you and that you trust.
Is this a trauma symptom?: you stop liking foods you really used to like.
Yes! Losing interest in things that used to make you feel joy is a trauma symptom.
Your body reacts with a trauma symptom/trauma reaction (racing heart, racing thoughts, stomach turning, scared feeling)
True! If it impacts you for a long time after and creates trauma symptoms/reactions, it is a traumatic event!
What are positive affirmations?
Positive affirmations are good, encouraging, and powerful messages we tell ourselves. Telling ourselves these things is a good way to help us feel good about ourselves and our situations.
True or False: You are still normal even if you've experienced trauma.
True! Just because something happened to you does not mean there is anything wrong with you!
What are other trauma reactions/symptoms?
Tummy aches, headaches, being hungry all the time, not having an appetite, feeling very angry all of the time, crying out of nowhere, avoiding places/people, etc.,
What are your triggers?
ex:
Loud noises, yelling, certain songs, cars, busses, fighting, ...
What trauma type(s) have you experienced?
(No right or wrong answer)
What are other coping skills you like to use?
(No right or wrong answer)
ex: journaling, singing, reading, video games, sports, writing, exercise, etc.,