Trauma; not for women only?

We are looking at women’s health as dynamic and diverse and codependent on so many other factors. We are talking about multiple health perspectives to include: physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, and financial health. This week we are looking at Trauma. It can impact all of these areas.               

So, have you ever, or do you know someone who has experienced an unexpected heart attack, stroke, rape, domestic abuse, torture, genocide, war, mass killings, human trafficking?

Horrible? YES! Traumatic? Definitely!

Now, listen to the following:

Darlene is a young woman in her early twenties who has never married and has three young children, though the children are currently in foster care. She is employed at McDonald’s in a suburban shopping area, rents a small apartment, and takes care of her basic needs. Darlene dropped out of high school during her junior year and has not obtained her GED. She had one sibling, an older brother, who was murdered while in his teens. Darlene reports using alcohol, marijuana, and crack cocaine in the recent past. Darlene states that she was physically, emotionally, and sexually abused as a child and spent most of her life in foster care. She was emancipated at age 16. The murder of her brother was a very traumatic event for her, and she states that she feels powerless and hopeless with regard to getting the children returned to her care. Darlene reports that she has had continual thoughts about suicide. She has few friends or sources of emotional support in the community.

Based on what I have told you, has Darlene or is Darlene experiencing trauma?

And what is trauma anyway?

“According to Psychology Today, traumatic events include physical, psychological, and sexual abuse; terrorism and war; domestic violence; witnessing violence against others; and accidents and natural disasters. They can result in serious stress and detrimental consequences for survivors and their families.

Approximately one half (50%) of all individuals will be exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. So if you have experienced Trauma, you are not alone.

Although the majority of individuals will be able to manage the trauma over time, many survivors will experience long-lasting problems.

Approximately 8% of survivors will develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Many survivors currently living with PTSD experience symptoms that are both chronic and severe. These include nightmares, insomnia, somatic disturbances, difficulty with intimate relationships, fear, anxiety, anger, shame, aggression, suicidal behaviors, loss of trust, and isolation.

Join us this week on Frankly Speaking with Tyra G to hear Ms. Hanna Kebbede, survivor, artist, international consultant discuss her personal trauma journey and, TAASTTA, the organization she founded that treats trauma through the arts. You don’t want to miss this! Join the conversation at www.franklyspeakingwithtyrag.com.

    Until next time, remember,

• You are not alone.

• You are not your circumstances.

• You have everything within you to live a purpose-filled life.