Impact of Trauma
In trauma-informed care, we strive to be aware of the impact of trauma and the many ways in which it may manifest. This section discusses the long-term, ongoing impact of trauma.
Body-brain Dysregulation
The stress response is important to safety and survival. Experiences of ongoing or severe trauma can dysregulate the fight-flight-freeze stress response, leading to difficulty moving out of a hyper- or hypo-aroused state.
Unmet Needs
Trauma often creates needs that may go unmet for years, including the need to be seen, heard, and believed and have control over one’s life or agency over one’s body. Unmet needs may also include having no opportunities for repair and justice.
Impaired Meaning Making
Making positive meaning out of our lives is essential to feeling positive, safe, and engaged. Meaning making may be impaired when traumatic experiences are incomprehensible, memories are incomplete, or identities are shattered.
Lower Social Connection
Good relationships are essential to health and happiness (Waldinger, 2015). Experiences of abuse, violation, and exploitation, especially when the perpetrator was in a role of trusted family member, friend, or community member can severely impair a survivor’s relationship with themselves, other people, and their higher power.