Trauma is deeply prevalent in our society, and its effects are widely recognized. Despite this, there is still a tendency to overlook the benefits of a trauma-informed care approach when addressing the often-destructive behaviors and coping mechanisms trauma survivors use to navigate life. Without adopting a trauma-informed care approach, services may rely on restrictive practices to manage these behaviors, which can lead re-traumatization.

Depathologizing Trauma Using a Trauma-Informed Care Approach

I feel privileged to be part of a new initiative in Hertfordshire’s mental health services, where I work to implement a trauma-informed approach in inpatient units. This method can be applied to anyone who has experienced mental health challenges, making it a powerful tool for healing.

The key shift in trauma-informed care is moving from asking, “What is wrong with you?” to “What has happened to you?” This simple yet profound change is central to depathologizing trauma and fosters greater understanding and compassion.

Compassion: A Vital Tool in Trauma-informed Care

None of us choose the circumstances of our birth, our families, or the environments we grow up in. And certainly, no one chooses the traumatic experiences that shape their lives. The reality is stark: 70% of people worldwide have experienced some form of trauma, and 1 in 8 have faced four or more adverse childhood experiences.

While we can’t undo what has happened, we can depathologize trauma by becoming trauma-informed. This not only removes the stigma but also promotes healing.

Validating Coping Strategies in Trauma-informed Care

Trauma survivors cope in diverse ways. Some shut down or withdraw, while others may internalize their pain, leading to self-harm. Anger can become a shield for self-protection, while dissociation allows an escape from a painful reality. These are not “wrong” responses; they are valid human reactions to overwhelming pain.

A trauma-informed perspective recognizes that many mental health challenges stem from traumatic experiences. By adopting a depathologizing trauma approach, we seek to understand rather than judge these coping strategies.

Fostering Understanding Through Trauma-Informed Care

What people in distress need most is empathy and a commitment to avoiding further re-traumatization. It’s essential to recognize that their behaviors may be rooted in past trauma. Instead of asking, “Why are you acting like this?” we should ask, “How can we help alleviate this distress?” The answers must come without judgment or restrictive measures.

The Power of Understanding Trauma

I’ve included a video that powerfully illustrates the journey of trauma and recovery. It shows how profoundly troubling circumstances can shape a person’s life. With the right support, when someone listens with empathy and believes in their potential, healing is possible.

Please note: this video may evoke strong emotions, so avoid watching if you feel it might negatively affect you.

Barnardo’s | 2011 | Life Story | 90 Seconds (youtube.com)

Rebuilding Lives After Trauma

Too often, we focus on difficult behaviours without considering the trauma that might have caused them. Misunderstood, misjudged, and often outcast, trauma survivors are sometimes re-traumatized by the systems meant to help them.

However, once we truly understand what has happened to someone, our perspective shifts. With empathy and trauma-informed support, even those who have faced the hardest challenges can heal and rebuild their lives. By depathologizing trauma, we help survivors move away from stigma and toward a more empowered, preferred identity.

Conclusion

Every trauma survivor deserves the chance to rebuild their life. By adopting a trauma-informed, depathologizing trauma approach, we can create a path free of judgment, towards compassion and healing.