LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The Lubbock Health Department’s Prevention Resource Center teamed up with Voice of Hope on Wednesday to educate the public about trauma care.
According to the American Psychological Association, trauma is described as any disturbing experience that results in negative feelings and could have long-lasting negative impacts.
Izzy Wheeler, lead counselor at Voice of Hope, said understanding this definition is crucial in allowing others to push forward.
“We find that there’s so many people who have experienced trauma, and I think whenever we’re interacting with victims, we don’t really know what to do or what to say,” Wheeler said.
The session covered topics including the differences between big and little traumas, how trauma can affect someone physically and emotionally, and the four types of responses most people experience in a traumatic situation.
Wheeler said having this knowledge can help when someone is going through this kind of pain.
“I think a lot of times it really is just asking the individual like what’s going on, maybe noticing any changes in them and their behaviors or things that they’re saying,” Wheeler said. “If they’re withdrawn and not just judging them or cutting off ties with them too.”
Other topics discussed include the cognitive effects trauma can have on someone and the types of self-care routines people can use to ease their situation.
Wheeler said trauma is not exclusive to one individual or one group. She said the educational opportunity will allow residents to help their neighbors.
“It really can be anyone. It’s probably someone you know. It can be your best friend, your mom, your daughter, even someone you just pass in the grocery store and we’re just trying to meet them with what has happened to you instead of asking them what’s wrong with you,” Wheeler said.
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