Six Signs of Trauma & How to Respond

May 17, 2022

In the US, 70% of adults and 1 in 7 children have felt some form of serious physical or emotional harm, also known as trauma, at least once in their lifetime. Trauma is a response to anything that breaks our feeling of safety, like a serious injury, risk of death, natural disaster, an unsafe living situation, separation from a loved one, and/or any type of abuse.

Upsetting events can change how a person may feel or think. While trauma signs are different for each person, here are some common signs to look for.

  • Trouble staying focused
  • Changes in mood, behavior, and/or eating habits
  • Having a hard time sleeping
  • Withdrawal from loved ones or favorite activities
  • Having little or no hope
  • Pains in the body that don’t seem to have a physical cause

Watching someone you love deal with the results of trauma can be very hard. Here are some tips on how to best respond.

  1. Be emotionally and physically available. The person may not always want to talk, but it feels good to know someone is there if they need to talk.
  2. Listen with care. When the person does talk about the upsetting event, welcome their feelings and how they decide to handle the event.
  3. Be supportive. Returning to a normal schedule after an upsetting event can be hard. Be helpful by volunteering to do household jobs, get groceries or other tasks they may need done.

If a person cannot deal with their strong feelings, finds it hard to return to a normal schedule, and keeps thinking about the upsetting event, suggest looking for help from a trained mental health counselor or therapist. To learn more about trauma visit www.nctsn.org , www.childmind.org, www.childwelfare.gov, or www.samhsa.gov.

Chelsea Tolbert

By Chelsea Tolbert

Chelsea Tolbert is a North Charleston native and is going into her fourth year as a PreK-2nd Grade Counselor for Meeting Street at Burns.

 

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Meeting Street Schools (MSS) is an innovative non-profit where schools, families, and the community collaborate to create environments where all children can achieve their full potential. With a network of schools across South Carolina, including MSA-Charleston (Charleston, SC), MSA-Spartanburg (Spartanburg, SC), MS-Brentwood (North Charleston, SC), MS-Burns (North Charleston, SC), we are committed to providing students with the rigorous education they deserve.

Founded on the principle that every child deserves an excellent education regardless of their socio-economic background, Meeting Street Schools has been a beacon of hope and a testament to what's possible in education. Our schools are driven by a strong focus on student achievement, evidence-based instruction, and relentless support of our students and their families.

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Our Schools

Meeting Street Academy – CharlestonDowntown Charleston, SC - Independent School - Since 2008 - 364 Students

Nestled in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, MSA Charleston is more than just a school—it’s a hub for innovative learning and community engagement. As part of the Meeting Street Schools network, MSA Charleston embodies a commitment to excellence through its rigorous academic programs, inclusive culture, and focus on developing the whole child. With a curriculum that emphasizes both academic and personal growth, MSA Charleston prepares students to be curious learners and active citizens of their community.

Meeting Street Academy – SpartanburgDowntown Spartanburg, SC - Public Charter School - Since 2012 - 323 Students

Meeting Street Academy – Spartanburg is as a pillar of educational innovation in the Spartanburg community. The school’s dedicated educators and supportive learning environment ensure that each child receives a high-quality, personalized education with exceptional faculty and teachers. The Academy is distinguished by its emphasis on community partnership, fostering relationships that extend beyond the classroom to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Meeting Street – BrentwoodNorth Charleston, SC - Public School - Since 2014 - 850 Students

Meeting Street – Brentwood is a place where education meets opportunity. Serving the Brentwood area, this neighborhood Public School of Innovation is a testament to the transformative power of education. With a student-centered approach that celebrates diversity and encourages excellence, Meeting Street – Brentwood is dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. Meeting Street – Brentwood also serves as a hub for the Brentwood community to access educational and wellness services. The school’s commitment to innovation, coupled with a warm, welcoming environment, makes it a standout in the Meeting Street Schools network.

Meeting Street – BurnsNorth Charleston, SC - Public School - Since 2018 - 478 Students

Located in a community rich with history and culture, Meeting Street – Burns is renowned for its dynamic educational approach that intertwines traditional learning with modern teaching techniques. The school’s focus on experiential learning ensures that students at Meeting Street – Burns are not only recipients of knowledge but also active participants in their educational journey. The school exists to spark an educational revolution for the students and families in the Dorchester-Waylyn Neighborhood in North Charleston. With a commitment to creating a supportive and challenging academic environment, Meeting Street – Burns is forging a new path in public education.

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