There are many different definitions of trauma. The definition I use in my work training PK-12 teachers on trauma informed care is this: “Trauma is the word we use to say that a stressful event(s) has overwhelmed and thereby compromised the health and welfare of an individual and his/her community.” The Heart of Learning and Teaching, 2011. This definition focuses on the impact on the individual/community.

While many different types of events can cause trauma and every individual responds differently, it is well acknowledged that globally, we are presently experiencing two types of what is known as collective trauma: a global health pandemic and the current unrest following years of systemic racism and police brutality. 

Collective trauma is defined as “a shared experience of helplessness, disorientation, and loss among a group of people” (Castelloe, 2020). Other examples of collective trauma include war, slavery, and 911.  While there is a shared emotional bond among people who have experienced these events, the burden of suffering is quite often unequal.

Put in the context of the pandemic, some have experienced the virus themselves, some have lost loved ones to the virus, some have lost their jobs. Examples in the context of systemic racism include black and brown communities experiencing realities everyday such as being racially profiled, lack of access to healthcare and educational opportunities, and for some, the loss of life itself. For white communities, they may be experiencing grief, anger and frustration regarding these situations, but have not experienced them for themselves.

Building resiliency – the ability to bounce back from adversity and thrive is a critical part of how well we cope, both individually and as communities. Strategies for building your own personal resiliency include the following:

• Maintain a strong social network: Having caring, supportive people around you acts as a protective factor during times of crisis. If you don’t have such people in your immediate surrounding, reach out to others online through groups who support the same issues as you do.
• Nurture yourself: Eat well, move your body every day and get enough sleep.
• Develop your problem solving skills: When you encounter a new challenge, make a list of some of the ways you could solve the problem. Conduct small experiments with the different strategies.
• Creativity and humor: Think outside the box. Express your feelings and emotions through the arts – paint, write poetry, keep a journal, dance, etc.
• Embrace change: Change occurs constantly in life, and fearing or resisting it makes it all the more difficult. Change is an opportunity for new possibilities and ways of life.

While it is important to build your own resiliency before you can help others, don’t forget to check in on members of your community. Remember, everyone is having his or her own experience, and everyone copes differently. Tools to help those who may be struggling include:

• Making sure the basics are covered: food, water, shelter and medical care.
• Lend an ear: People get a lot out of simply having someone to talk to.
• Resources: Provide information to mental health resources if needed. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a great resource. Find your local chapter here.
• Encourage individuals to stay involved with friends, family, and other community members.
• Check back often.