\u201cTrauma is an experience that threatens a person\u2019s very life, that threatens the possibility of death, or permanent separation or loss of someone they love or depend on,\u201d stresses Ford.<\/p>\n
But what exactly is childhood trauma?<\/p>\n
Ford says that trauma is abuse whether verbal, emotional, physical or sexual, neglect, violence, witnessing violence, or being involved in an accident or natural disaster. But a traumatic event doesn\u2019t have to be physically life threatening. According to Ford verbal or emotional abuse can make a child feel worthless and unworthy of living while bullying can make someone feel suicidal.<\/p>\n
Trauma causes people, including children, to live in near constant states of stress. That stress can manifest in emotional and behavioral problems including: aggression, delinquency, problems with learning and concentration, hyperarousal, risky behavior, defiance, withdrawal, sleep problems, self-harm or depression. Ford says these behaviors are often coping strategies for traumatized children to carry on in situations that seem impossible to endure.<\/p>\n
\u201cKids who\u2019ve experienced trauma can be stuck in permanent survival mode — hyper-vigilant and constantly on edge — waiting for the next awful thing to happen,\u201d said Ford. \u201cKids often don\u2019t realize or understand why they\u2019re reacting the way they do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ford is encouraging more adults, parents and teachers to become more \u201ctrauma informed\u201d to prevent or detect childhood trauma and to serve as role models.<\/p>\n
His childhood trauma recommendations include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Don\u2019t ask a child \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d<\/li>\n
- Try asking a child three questions: What happened to you? What did you need to do to not give up? What do you do now that gives life meaning?<\/li>\n
- To mitigate childhood trauma stress reactions, whether for a child or adult, follow the simple \u201cSOS\u201d model:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Stop. Slow down. Sweep your mind clear. Note, during this process it is key to be aware of how your body feels as you breathe in and out. Let your mind be a river that carries every negative thought away.<\/li>\n
- Orient yourself. Try to focus on just thought or on the one hope, goal or relationship you value the most.<\/li>\n
- Self-check your level of alarm and focus daily or as often as you need.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\u201cThe goal is to increase personal control,\u201d says Ford since that control is our ability to think clearly under stress. \u201cIf kids who\u2019ve survived trauma and are helped to do that and have role models who show them how to do that without ever saying it, they pick up on that and it shows them that they do have someone they can trust.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Carolyn](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
Carolyn Greene, Ph.D., (Janine Gelineau\/UConn Health Photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
![\"Carolyn](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/greene_carolyn-200x300.jpg\")