What is trauma?
Traumas are experiences or events that occur during one’s life that cause extreme amounts of stress and that are emotionally distressing. In children, traumatic events are also called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Some examples of ACEs are accidents, bullying, having a parent with a mental illness or addiction, experiencing or witnessing violence in the home, at school, or in the community, physical abuse or neglect, experiencing/ exposure to racism and racial violence, sexual abuse, death of a loved one, and separation from a parent or caregiver. To learn more about ACEs, click here.
How does trauma affect children?
According to a study by the CDC, a child who has experience one or more Adverse Childhood Experience can be at a much greater risk for substance use disorders, mental illness, slow brain growth, tobacco use, prescription drug use and risk of early use of alcohol.
Research has also found that children who experience multiple ACEs are at a higher risk of suicide attempts, depression, sleep disturbances, high-risk sexual behaviors and fetal mortality.
What can we do about it?
Research has also shown that the sooner children receive services to process their traumatic experience, the healthier their futures are. In fact, we now know that our brains are constantly changing even through adulthood. Building resiliency can mitigate the effects of trauma. To learn more about a recent study at the impact of positive experiences, click here.
If you or your child has experienced a traumatic event, reach out for help! Find our list of community resources here.
Becoming a trauma-informed community
Trauma-informed care is a framework for how community agencies recognize, understand and respond to individuals who have experienced traumatic events. Many agencies in St. Joseph County have been trained in this treatment method and utilize it when interacting with those who need services.
ACE Interface trainings
One of the ways we can build a more trauma-informed community is through trauma education. SJC Cares has partnered with The SOURCE, Elkhart County’s system of care, to present ACE Interface, a free community presentation on childhood trauma. This two-hour presentation is held once per month and is appropriate for professionals or community members. Learn more here.
‘The Body Keeps the Score’
Want to learn more about trauma’s lasting effects? Check out these recorded sessions from St. Joseph County Public Library’s Relevant Reads Series on “The Body Keeps the Score.”