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Dealing With Trauma
Resources for Young People
Lesson Content
Something bad or scary happens, but we survive and hope our lives return to normal. Sometimes that’s easier wished for than done, though. Intense, negative experiences can leave us with trauma. Trauma is the emotional and psychological aftermath of a painful or terrifying experience. Entire communities that experience high levels of violence can also suffer collective trauma, even people who are not direct victims. When we suffer trauma, we may be haunted by flashbacks of what happened and feel fear that the world around us is out of control. Trauma also can affect our ability to think, sleep, learn, or relate to others in healthy ways.
If we have gone through a traumatic experience, we may need help to feel safe and hopeful again. The first step is to connect with people who help us feel protected and secure. Counselors at school, in community centers, or in places of worship can be good resources for helping us get the help we need and start rebuilding a sense of control in our lives, families, and communities. We may also be able to access resources and help online, and many support programs are free for children and teens. If you think you or people around you are dealing with traumatic stress, help is out there. Healing and flourishing again isn’t easy, but it’s very possible.
- The National Center for Victims of Crime. A clearinghouse of information for anyone feeling scared or hopeless.
- Sutter Health. Articles that offer suggestions for ways that teenagers might deal with stress, trauma, and difficult feelings.
- The National Center for Victims of Crime. A PDF resource for young people feeling the urge to organize.
- Bustle. A list of self-care options to help with traumatic stress.
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Writer
Sean McCollum
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Editor
Lisa Resnick
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Producer
Tiffany A. Bryant
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Updated
October 8, 2021
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