What is a trauma-affected community?
Some communities have faced more than their share of hardships. They may:
- Still be recovering from a natural disaster or major economic upheaval
- Experience ongoing political or social discrimination
- Lack basic services and supports
- Have many people facing serious personal challenges
Just like individuals, trauma-affected communities can heal and recover by focusing on their strengths and by building trust, safety, and connections. Trauma can come from a single hurtful event, circumstances that cause extreme stress over time, or events that didn't happen to you but to your ancestors.
What does trauma look like?
- A child who can’t concentrate in school
- A colleague who always needs to be in control
- A friend who has a hard time trusting others
- A coworker who struggles to show up on time
- Someone who seems insensitive – or overly sensitive – to the feelings of others
- An adolescent who is always taking risks or pushing boundaries
How do you build the capacity to cope?
The ability to bounce back after trauma – often called resilience – is a mix of skills you can learn and supports you can build. These are sometimes called protective factors.
Common protective factors include:
- For children: having at least one trustworthy adult who offers unconditional support
- For adults: finding meaning or purpose in what happened
- For everyone: having people who will listen without judgment
- Learning emotional regulation and self-care skills
- Focusing on what you did right, how you survived, and what your strengths are
Is recovery from trauma possible?
Yes. Absolutely.
Just as the body can heal from a physical wound when it is kept clean and protected, we can heal from trauma when it is:
- Acknowledged
- Met with compassion instead of blame or shame
- Supported by safe, caring relationships
Practices that support trauma healing include:
- Being listened to without judgment
- Any form of rhythmic, repetitive motion (dancing, walking, petting an animal, rocking or swaying, chanting, bouncing a ball)
- Participating in positive small group activities
- Spending time in nature
- Intentional breathing practices, meditation, or prayer
- Practicing gratitude and forgiveness