Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. The SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions explains that “individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening.” Trauma has lasting adverse effects and impact on an individual’s mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.
Trauma is more common than one may think. According SAMHSA-HRSA, 61%of men and 51% of women in the United States report exposure to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. In public behavioral health care settings, 90% of patients have experienced trauma. Trauma is more common than not, which is why Hands To Guide You advocates that it’s never too late to address trauma from any point in your life.
If unaddressed, people who have experienced trauma have a higher chance of developing mental issues and addictions. Individuals who have experienced trauma and co-occurring conditions, such as mental illness or addictions, will likely have difficulty recovering and poor physical health outcomes. To ensure the best possible health outcomes, trauma cannot be ignored and must be addressed in all healthcare settings.
Harvard Health Publishing defines trauma-informed care as “practices that promote a culture of safety, empowerment, and healing.” Providing trauma-informed care promotes positive health outcomes and can shorten time to recovery. At Hands To Guide You we advocate for trauma-informed care. We use a trauma-informed approach to ensure our all of our patients receive the best care possible, treating not only the symptoms they are experiencing but the root cause, to speed up recovery and improve health outcomes, well-being, and quality of life.
