What causes joy, serenity, hope, and trust to die in us? The number one cause is . . .

. . . Trauma.

And none of us are exempt.

This week I attended a presentation by Dr. Michael F. Barnes, Clinical Program Manager, at CeDAR, University of Colorado Hospital. It was one of the finest presentations I’ve heard on the subject of how trauma impacts addictions.

Here is just a small portion of what he shared in his presentation, “Families, Trauma, and Addiction”. I have also contributed some additional information for your consideration.

Worldwide, it is estimated that two-thirds of the population have been exposed to traumatic events that meet the DSM ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) stressor criteria for PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) .

According to the National Center for PTSD

I suspect these statistics are under reported.

What is trauma?

The experience of a real or perceived threat to life or bodily injury to self or a loved one that causes an overwhelming sense of horror, helplessness, and fear.

How are we traumatized?

What events cause trauma?

What happens in the brain when we are traumatized?

Trauma elicits a powerful self-protective response of fight, flight, or freeze.

What are the most common symptoms of traumatic stress?

How do we try to manage trauma?

How do we get stuck in trauma?

It is not the trauma event itself that is problematic; it is the unresolved trauma symptoms and dysfunctional defenses that cause the internal death of joy, serenity, hope, and trust.

How do we get UNstuck in trauma?

Care needs to be provided at four levels.

Physical Care

Psychological Care

Spiritual Care

Relationship Care

Please do not allow the tragedies and traumas of your life to result in the death of your joy, serenity, hope, and trust. Take the steps you need to care for yourself physically, psychologically, spiritually, and relationally.  You deserve to live in the fullness of joy, serenity, hope, and trust.