Feelings
True or false: Not everyone has feelings.
False! Everyone has feelings!!!
True or false: Trauma can impact our thinking?
True! There are many reactions to trauma.
True or false: People might have nightmares after trauma.
True!
True or false: Trauma is not stressful
False! Trauma causes a stress reaction.
What are two ways to cope with stress?
Deep breathing, self-care, etc.
Two types of emotions.
What are sad, happy, anger, etc.
True or false: Thoughts impact our behaviors.
True!
True or false: Trauma does not affect the body.
False! People might have headaches or be tired after trauma.
Why might a person "never forget" about a trauma?
They might worry all the time about it happening again.
What is one grounding technique?
5-4-3-2-1, tasting something sour/spicy, etc.
True or false: Sometimes people are angry after trauma.
What is true.
True or false: People might have negative thoughts after trauma.
True: Negative thinking might happen more often
Why might someone "not care" after trauma?
Depression or avoidance
True or false: People might not want to do things they enjoy after trauma.
True! People might be worried or feel sad.
What is a quick way to calm anxiety/distress/emotions?
Ice dive, tipping the temperature
What does worry feel like?
What is always being fearful of something happening that might not happen?
True or false: People might have trouble concentrating after a traumatic event.
True! Trauma can cause people to be distracted.
What is activated when our anxiety system is triggered?
Fight, flight, freeze responses
True or false: All people always act the same way, even after trauma.
False: Although some people may experience similar physiological symptoms, trauma affects people differently
What are some coping skills that can help with managing cognitive distortions?
Reframing, looking for evidence, questioning the helpfulness/unhelpfulness of the thought, asking someone for help to look for a realistic thought, etc.
Why might someone feel shame or guilt after experiencing a trauma?
What is because they might wrongly feel they caused it or they could have stopped it.
What are some common cognitive distortions (automatic irrational thoughts)?
mind reading, catastrophizing, black and white thinking, personalization, etc.
What part of the brain is activated when processing dangerous or threatening stimuli?
Amygdala
How can someone build safety after experiencing trauma?
Setting boundaries, asking for help, removing harmful coping skills (i.e. substance use, risky behavior), etc
Why is mindfulness important?
To be more aware of and accepting of what’s happening in the present moment. This can help you learn to notice and accept your thoughts and feelings without judgement.