Spread Awareness
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to take this opportunity to talk about mental health in relation to trauma. Trauma can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender. It can leave people feeling isolated and alone, like they are the only one going through it. This is why it is so important to raise awareness about mental health and trauma during Mental Health Awareness Month. In this blog post, we will discuss the definition of trauma, common symptoms of trauma, and how to get help if you are struggling with trauma.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. It can be caused by an event that is physically or emotionally harmful, such as abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, or being in a natural disaster. Trauma can also be caused by ongoing stressors, like living in poverty or having a chronic illness. No matter what the cause, trauma can have a lasting impact on mental health.
Signs and Symptoms.
Common symptoms of trauma include feeling numb, feeling disconnected from others, having intrusive thoughts, avoiding people or places that remind you of the trauma, and experiencing hyperarousal (feeling on edge all the time). If you are struggling with any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.
There are many ways to get help if you are struggling with trauma. You can talk to your doctor or a therapist, join a support group, or reach out to your local Society of Care Navigator.
Reach Out.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and nobody should have to go through this journey alone. Remember, you are not alone. Help is available.
There are many hotlines setup to help those in need who have experienced any one or multiple common causes of trauma. These hotlines have professionals standing by, ready to help.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org to get help.
National Sexual Assault Hotline.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673) to get help.
National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Help Line.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, call the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357) to get help.
National Domestic Violence Hotline.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233) to get help.
All Nations Hotline.
If you are experiencing a crisis and are a member of the UmonHon Nation you can reach out to All Nations Hotline by texting “SUPPORT” to 402-275-2444.