Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing

What is Trauma?

Trauma is the response to something, usually an event/s that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope.  Everyone experience and react to it in different ways.  It can cause feelings of distress, fear, helplessness and loss of control.

Due to the difficult nature of these events, trauma can be hidden, unreported or denied.  There are many reasons for this: being afraid of getting into trouble, feeling shame, guilt or self-blame about the event, or being scared of the offender. 

Many young people who experience trauma learn ways to manage, but sometimes additional support is needed. 

There are different types of trauma, but one I would focus on considering the recent effects of flooding on our community is Single Incident Trauma. 

Single Incident Trauma can occur when a person experiences a traumatic event, such as a car accident, an experience of loss, natural disaster, or physical or sexual assault.  Like other trauma, single-event trauma can also impact a young person’s mental and physical health and wellbeing and may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. 

The Effects of Trauma

Everyone responds to trauma differently; there is no ‘right way to respond.  People’s response depends on the individual, their past experiences, support levels and the events’ nature.  What happens after traumatic events are normal responses to ‘not normal’ events. 

Being exposed to trauma as a young person can have a wide range of mental and physical health. 

Early Responses Can Include:

• Confusion, sadness, anxiety, fear, agitation, anger, numbness, detachment, denial, embarrassment, guilt and shame. Helplessness, feeling out of control, nightmares and flashbacks.

Common Physical Symptoms Include:

• Nausea, dizziness, altered sleep patterns, appetite changes, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, being easily startled. 

Delayed Symptoms Can Include:

• Many young people may find with time and support, it can get easier to cope with traumatic experiences. However, some young people may find that their distress continues or increases with symptoms such as mood swings, including irritability, feeling more fragile or vulnerable, fatigue, grief, fear of the event recurring, emotional detachment, increased arousal and vigilance, self-blame or guilt, preoccupation with the events, difficulty making decisions, problems with school, work or relationships, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, dissociation (or feeling numb, cut off or disconnected to your feelings)

Where Can I Seek Help?

Though it can be challenging,  reaching out to others can help you feel supported, less isolated.  It can be the beginning of a valuable support network.  Whether you are speaking to a friend or a counsellor, it is entirely up to you what you feel comfortable sharing.  You might want to say you are having a tough time: 

• Find a trusted friend, teacher, family member or Elder and chat about what is happening for you.
• Use an online or phone-based service like eheadspace, Kids Helpline or Lifeline. You can access these anonymously and free of charge.
• Reach out to your local headspace centre to chat to one of our clinicians confidentially.
• Many general practitioners (GPs) and other health professionals work with young people who have experienced trauma. They can also support and help you with your recovery. 

How to Look After Yourself

You can do things to support your mental health and wellbeing when you are having a tough time.  These include: 

• connecting with people
• staying active – spend time doing nice things
• eating well
• cutting back on alcohol and other drugs
• getting enough sleep
• learning new coping skills.

Mrs Bronwyn Shipton - Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing