What is trauma?

Trauma is the emotional response when an injury overwhelms us. The injury could be physical, sexual or emotional. Some of the most common traumatic events include:

• Physical assault
• Sexual assault, including childhood sexual abuse
• Verbal assault
• Being threatened with physical or sexual assault
• Witnessing violence against others
• Long-term neglect in childhood

HOW TRAUMA INFORMED CARE HELPS YOU AS A SURVIVOR?

Trauma-Informed Care is a practice which works off of your strengths. Our staff understands the effect trauma has on a person and how it affects you physically, mentally and emotionally. At Hope & Healing, we create a space for survivors to gain confidence and a sense of control by empowering you to overcome obstacle while making your own decisions along your journey.

How can trauma affect your body?

• You may feel as if you were reliving the traumatic experience (these flashbacks can include seeing images, hearing voices or sounds, smelling odors, as well unexplained tastes and physical etc.)
• You may have trouble sleeping or have nightmares
• You may feel exhausted
• You may have physical complaints (ex: headaches, nausea, stomach aches, pelvic pain, stomach/ digestive problems)

How can trauma affect the way you behave?

• Inflicting self-injury (ex: cutting, burning)
• Alcohol and drug misuse
• Difficulty maintaining close relationships
• Not knowing how to trust others
• Not knowing how to set boundaries
• Trouble with intimacy

How can trauma affect the way you feel?

Everyone reacts differently to trauma. You may experience some or all of the following:

• Too much emotion
• Feeling numb
• Depression
• Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless
• Shame
• Fear
• Anger
• Sadness
• Anxiety, panic attacks
• Stomach aches, pelvic pain, stomach/ digestive problems)

How can trauma affect the way you think?

• Difficulty with concentration
• Thoughts that get in the way of daily activities
• Memory problems