What is Psychological Trauma
Psychological trauma is not an event itself; it is a response to a stressful experience in which a person's ability to cope is dramatically undermined. Traumatic events often overwhelm the ordinary human adaptations to life. The situation also confront human beings with the extremities of hopelessness and terror.
The Impact of Trauma - Children
Childhood abuse can result in adult experience of shame flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug use, feelings of humiliation / unworthiness and profound terror. According to scientific studies, more than 40 percent of children exposed to severe trauma will develop some form of chronic neuropsychiatric problem like PTSD or other Anxiety disorders that will negatively impact their emotional, academic and social functioning.
Adults Abused as Children
Adults abused during childhood are more than twice likely to have at least one or more lifetime psychiatric diagnosis, almost 3 times as likely to have anxiety disorder, two or more times likely to experience phobias, over ten times likely to have panic disorder, almost 4 times or more to have antisocial personality disorder, as well as, four to twelve fold increased risk of alcoholism / drug abuse.
Treatment
Universal precautions: create trust and safe environment. Consider talking in an even, calm manner with genuine affect even when the person is not doing the right thing. Respect the need for all people, no matter their age to have autonomy and process information willingly. Consider describing behaviors and natural consequences, rather than labeling or interpreting behaviors when discussing possible needs of children with their parents, and finally consider consulting with a psychiatrist for medication as needed.
Ref. Private practice
Dr. Fenibo Braide, Psychotherapist
December, 2009
Assess internal staff and provder staff to determine internal baseline knowledge and awareness of trauma-informed language and practices. Knowledge, Attitude, Practice (KAP). Also, engage and assist providers in the usage of self-assessments that will help them determine their level of Trauma-informed competence in the service delivery system. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteMYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT CHILDREN WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED TRAUMA
ReplyDeleteMyth: Children are resilient and will "bounce back."
Fact: Children have no "special ability" to heal after trauma.
Myth: Over time, children will simply forget about what happened.
Fact: Even very young children remember and are affected by traumatic events.
Myths: We should not talk to children about the trauma because children will talk about it on their own if they want to.
Fact: Children take their cues from those around them. Most children will not talk about the trauma if no one else does.
Myth: Talking to children about the trauma will make them remember it more.
Fact: Talking about trauma helps children with healing.