The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Trauma stands for teach regularly and understand more abundantly. Mental Health Month means we must learn more about mental health and try to understand it.

Some facts concerning trauma in children. More than 25% of American youth experience a serious traumatic event by their 16th birthday, and many children suffer multiple and repeated traumas. Common sources of trauma include child abuse and neglect, serious accidental injuries, disasters, and medical trauma. After a crisis or traumatic event, a child is at risk of developing traumatic stress, PTSD, depression, or other anxiety disorders. Children are more vulnerable to trauma because of their size, age, and dependence. Prior trauma, past mental health problems, or a family history of such problems may increase a child’s risk.

When people have trauma, it affects them so much more than the moment it happened. “Without help, it can become trapped in our heads, stuck in a cycle of anxious thoughts and fears.” Those who have trauma done to them often feel it’s their fault. “These moments can make us feel hopeless, but there’s always a way out. Victims need to find peace when they are drowning in negative thoughts.”

Our brain needs to be fed. It needs to be taken in better thoughts. Although what “food we eat does impact our mental health, the information we feed our brain matters just as much.”

“Words and actions reflect our thought life. While we’re not always in control of our thoughts, we have some control over how we fill our minds.”

“We already know everything in life, and online fuels fears, comparison, negativity, and hopelessness. Spending too much time focused on those things will impact our mental health.”

Mental health challenges feel like a storm, one vicious storm, often one we can not control. We need to reach out to support. To a community that supports us. To professionals who can help educate us on what is happening to our minds, the chemicals in our bodies, and how it affects our emotions. Those who have experienced trauma need people to hang on to, a life preserver.

“We also need to give ourselves grace. Mental health is connected to many things, like our body, habits, relationships, brain chemistry, experiences, and spiritual life. Mental health challenges are complex and often out of our control.”

“Maybe you’ve also felt shame, sadness, and embarrassment because of your mental health. If so, you are not alone. But here’s the thing: God isn’t mad, frustrated, or embarrassed by your mental health. Instead, He wants to help you find hope and healing.”

“Find someone who will listen. Someone who encourages you. Someone who sticks with you through anything. You might say, “I don’t have anyone who does all three of those things.” “That’s ok. After all, friendship is a team sport. If someone has just one of those qualities, they can be a great support.”

“Holding on to hope can be challenging for those who still suffer in silence from trauma. Life might feel chaotic, making it difficult to know how to move forward. Maybe they can’t escape the negative self-talk and feel themselves sinking into hopelessness.” Reach out!