Understanding Trauma & Stress

Without understanding trauma, we are more likely to misinterpret trauma-related behaviors as willful, “sick,” or “crazy,” which can lead to ineffective, stigmatizing and/or punitive reactions to trauma-impacted people.

 

Understanding how trauma and stress can affect individual neurophysiology, relational interactions, and organizational functioning can help to reframe otherwise confusing, aggravating, or fear-producing behaviors. Shifting our perspective from “What is wrong with you?” to “What has happened to you?” can lead to more compassionate, strength-based, and effective responses to trauma-impacted people and communities that support healing and mitigate harm.