Trauma and toxic stress involve feeling overwhelmed by difficult life experiences that can lead to physical, emotional, and substance use problems.
Trauma is an event or series of events that overwhelm your ability to cope. A traumatic event may include sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, bullying, loss, domestic violence, or the witnessing of violence, war, crime, terrorism, disasters, and other forms of victimization. It refers to both the event and an individual’s response to it. Everyone experiences, understands, and heals differently… we are unique individuals with our own perspectives, strengths, and experiences. No one is immune to the impact of trauma. It affects the individual, families and communities by disrupting healthy development, adversely affecting relationships, and contributing to a variety of health issues.
The long term consequences of trauma may be devastating. Survivors may develop responses and adopt risky behaviors as coping strategies including:
- Intense fear and helplessness
- Self-harm
- Smoking, substance use, and other addictions
- Depression and hopelessness
- Unsafe sexual behavior
At Harbor, we have invested in our professional training and certifications to offer the best treatment and support with awareness of your trauma. We understand the profound impact a traumatic event has on the whole person and their families.
Trauma Informed Care Fact Sheet
