Andrea Blanch, director of the Center for Religious Tolerance, and Kimberly Konkel, associate director for Health, Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships wrote this post on MentalHealth.gov. Here's the beginning:Across the country, there is a growing movement to create “trauma-informed” services, organizations and communities. This movement reflects an understanding that psychological trauma and toxic stress are near-universal experiences that can affect every aspect of life, and that everyone has a role to play in addressing the issue.
According to national experts convened by SAMHSA, trauma results from events or circumstances that are experienced by an individual as harmful or life threatening and that have lasting adverse effects on mental, physical, social, emotional or spiritual well-being.
While many individuals experience traumatic events without lasting harm, trauma can place a heavy burden on individuals, families and communities. Trauma-informed supports can help.
Being trauma-informed means:
- Realizing how trauma affects people;
- Recognizing the signs;
- Responding by changing practices; and
- Resisting re-traumatization by addressing trauma and toxic stress in the lives of both staff and people served.
Many Americans find comfort and assistance from spiritual leaders and faith communities during times of grief, loss or trauma. In fact, many people turn to clergy for support before they turn to mental health professionals.
For the rest, go to:http://www.mentalhealth.gov/blog/2014/04/creating-trauma-informed-congregations.html
Comments (0)