Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/dual-language-article-trauma-informed-care-atencion-informada-por-trauma/5025764/
English Version
Back in my college days, I remember reading the DSM IV (1994) book as a reference guide. I recently looked into the book again and found that it defines a traumatic event as one in which “the person experienced, witnessed, or was confronted with an event or events that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury or a threat to the integrity of self or others.”
According to the National Child Traumatic Stress network:
- 78 percent of children report more than one traumatic experience before the age of 5.
- 20 percent of children receive treatment for an adverse childhood experience such as witnessing/living through domestic violence, sexual abuse, neglect, loss of a close family member, having a caregiver with a drug or alcohol problem, or having a close family member in prison.
These figures are post COVID-19 times and George Floyd. Each life event affects individuals differently, based on each person’s natural born skills and strengths. We are all living through trauma right now. Real, physical, heartfelt trauma.
First things first: put on your own oxygen mask. As educators, we need to take care of ourselves first. Label and name your feelings: anger, sadness, hurt, loss, loneliness, worry, guilt, stress. And remember:
Your feelings are ...