Trauma exposure effects everyone in various ways. No one experiences or processes it in the same way. However, there is research showing that these experiences can have several negative effects on one’s health. Some people may experience physical side effects, like chronic pain, that are responses from their trauma. Others may have anxiety about certain situations, which does not allow them to partake in social events or even health care appointments. People will often experience mental health disorders and not all of them will seek help. If someone experiences a physical trauma, it will not just affect them physically. This can cause harm to their mental health, their spiritual wellbeing, social dynamics, and more. The physical wounds can heal, but the overall impact can last a lifetime.
Nadine Burke Harris discusses the negative impacts that adverse childhood experiences (ACES) have on all aspects of health. She explains that ACES can harm brain development, immune and hormonal systems, and the way in which DNA is read and transcribed. Harris also states that those that experience ACES in high amounts have 3 times more the likelihood of heart disease and lung cancer, and 20 years less in life expectancy. These are shocking statistics. The rates of chronic diseases and the large number of years these people can lose is horrifying. What is just as horrifying, is that we know these statistics to be true and we are not doing everything we can to help. Harris explains her disappointment when learning that not everyone rushed to implement routine screening, multi-disciplinary treatment teams, and clinical treatment protocols. With all this information, my hope is that care will start being implemented in every healthcare system to help those that have experienced ACES.
I will implement Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) into my everyday practice. I already utilize some aspects of TIC, but now that I know more, I will expand what I do. I already assume that the people I encounter have experienced trauma, even without asking. I always check to see if it is okay to ask questions and I seek permission before assessing or touching any patient. I ask them questions and I do not pry if they do not want to discuss. I try to make time for my patients and allow them to vent or talk about something if they want, which also helps build rapport. I want to continue learning and understanding how trauma affects people and what I can do to make their experiences in healthcare better. I want my patients to feel comfortable with me and I do not want to pressure them or make them feel unsafe around me. I will be sure to ask questions and allow them to answer as they are willing. I will also realize that each person has their own experience with trauma and their own way of healing. I want to help facilitate healing and care that is centered around them as an individual. I realize that each person is unique, and their needs are too. I will use that as the basis for implementing TIC into my everyday nursing practice.
