What We Know
Trauma is defined as an overwhelming physical and/or emotional response to events or circumstances that bring stress through fear, horror, and helplessness. This kind of stress affects the individual’s ability to cope. It is estimated that 70% of adults in the United States have experienced trauma in some capacity throughout his or her life. A large risk factor in almost all behavioral health and substance use disorders stem from trauma [1].
How It Affects Our World
To name a few of the physical or emotional responses to trauma, one may be affected by headaches or body aches, sudden sweating and/or heart palpitations, disturbances in sleep, bowel changes, become sensitive to noises or unexpected touch, lower immune system, or become high tempered [1]. Additionally, an individual dealing with trauma may find his or her relationships are being negatively impacted because he or she may be struggling with trusting others, feel like a burden on others, feel the need to isolate, or become emotionally numb. Relationships can feel the negative impact for a short period or a long period of time lasting years [2].
What We Can Do About It
At Finding The Light Project we will always highly recommend professional medical and mental health providers as the foundation of treatment. Beyond that, we are here to provide you with knowledge, theological reasoning and encouragement. We invite you to subscribe and explore how you can find light in the darkness. It’s time to find hope and happiness once again!
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 9-8-8
Resources
[1] National Council for Behavioral Health (2020). Trauma. Retrieved from https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Trauma-infographic.pdf?daf=375ateTbd56
[2] International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (2016). Trauma and relationships. Retrieved from https://istss.org/ISTSS_Main/media/Documents/ISTSS_TraumaAndRelationships_FNL.pdf