Trauma
Psychological trauma can result when a person is involved or witnesses a highly distressing or threatening event.
Examples of Traumatic Events*
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Physical, sexual, or psychological abuse and neglect (including trafficking)
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Natural and technological disasters or terrorism
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Family or community violence
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Sudden or violent loss of a loved one
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Substance use disorder (personal or familial)
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Refugee and war experiences (including torture)
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Serious accidents or life-threatening illness
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Military family-related stressors (e.g., deployment, parental loss or injury)
*The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Symptoms of Traumatic Stress*
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Isolation
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Lack of empathy
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Unexplained physical illness
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Emotional
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Sleep problems
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Lack of self-esteem
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Negative body image
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Feelings of shame and/or guilt
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Hypervigilance/fearful
*The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Potential Outcomes of Traumatic Stress
Impulsive Behaviors
"Trauma has been shown to adversely affect many of the neurobiological systems responsible for cognitive development and the regulation of emotions and behavior."
Poor School Performance
According to a National School Boards Association resource on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), “childhood trauma is among the most relevant and significant psycho-social factors affecting education today.”
Reckless, Risk Taking, Agressive Behaviors
"The longer traumatic stress goes untreated, the greater the risk of developing maladaptive and potential dangerous coping mechanisms."
Substance Abuse
"Reported rates of substance abuse following trauma exposure range from 25% to 76% and research has shown that more than half of young people with PTSD subsequently develop substance abuse problems."