What is trauma?

Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening.  The event has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional or spiritual wellbeing. (SAMHSA 2014, p. 7)

Trauma can have an ongoing impact on the behaviours of both survivors and their descendants, one generation at a time (Howard 2018).

Possible indicators of trauma

  • increased tension and irritability

  • anxiety

  • low self-esteem

  • aggressive or violent behaviour

  • inability to feel or control emotions

  • tired due to sleep disturbances

  • problematic or harmful sexual behaviour

  • general aches and pains with no clear cause

  • over or under reaction to noises, lights and sudden movements

  • difficulty forming positive or trusting relationships

(Victorian State Government 2012).

Possible indicators of trauma in children

  • Babies are unable to settle and start to lag in their developmental milestones

  • Babies avoid engagement and appear detached

  • Children are difficult to soothe

  • Uncharacteristic aggression

  • “Frozen watchfulness”

  • Disrupted sleep

  • Fussy, clingy, separation fears

  • Exaggerated fear response and anxiety

  • Apathetic towards play, learning and friendships

  • Speech, cognitive and auditory delays

  • Persistent aches and pains with no clear cause

  • Eating disturbances

For a complete list of possible indicators of trauma, see Victoria State Government 2012, Child development and trauma: Department of Human Services

Trauma informed organisations:

  • Minimise the possibility of re-traumatisation

  • Provide a safe physical and emotional environment

  • Acknowledge the impact of trauma

  • Have staff trained in trauma informed awareness and practice

  • Support strength-based and skill building approaches

(MHCC)

References

Howard, J., 2018, A systematic framework for trauma-aware schooling in Queensland, unpublished report

Mental Health Coordinating Council.(MHCC) Trauma informed care and practice organisational toolkit (ticpot)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2014, SAMHSA's concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach, report prepared by SAMHSA’s Trauma and Justice Strategic Initiative.

Victoria State Government 2012, Child development and trauma: Best interests case practice model and specialist practice resource, Department of Human Services