What is Trauma? Cherry Hill Library Talks

Breaking the Stigma around Trauma

This mental health series is the first of its kind in the Cherry Hill Library, and the library is doing more than just hosting the talks. They stack the self-help section of the library with books relating to the topic. The workshops themselves are interactive and led by a local therapist or psychology expert. 

The library wants to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. Often, there’s a paywall surrounding learning about mental health: you have to pay to take classes or go to therapy. Not everyone can afford that. The library is offering free education to raise awareness of these issues. 

When it comes to trauma, there are plenty of stigmas. A “stigma” is a public perception about something that is usually untrue and holds negative connotations. 

For example, stigma about trauma can include:

• People with trauma or PTSD are violent or dangerous.
• Having experienced a trauma makes you broken, unstable, or unloveable.
• Trauma is the victim’s fault.
• People should just “get over” their trauma because it wasn’t that bad.

All of these stigmas are false. Trauma and PTSD do not make someone dangerous, broken, or unloveable. Trauma is never the victim’s fault. You do not have to “get over” anything; trauma is awful and should have never happened, and you can take as much time as you need to heal. 

The Cherry Hill Library mental health series hopes to shine a light on these harmful stigmas and connect people with the resources they need.

What is trauma?

Trauma refers to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope. This can include events such as physical or emotional abuse, sexual assault, accidents, natural disasters, or the sudden loss of a loved one. Trauma can have serious and lasting effects, including intense emotional reactions, flashbacks, and difficulty functioning in day-to-day life.

Not everyone who experiences a trauma will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health disorder that develops after a trauma.

Signs of trauma

Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder include:

Living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be incredibly challenging. Here are some common symptoms individuals may experience:

1. Flashbacks and nightmares
2. Avoidance of events, places, or people that remind you of the trauma
3. Negative thoughts about self or the world
4. Hyperarousal
5. Dissociation 
6. Anxiety 
7. Depressed mood 

It's important to remember that experiencing these symptoms doesn't mean you're weak or alone. With the right support and treatment, individuals can learn to manage and overcome their symptoms. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, seeking help from a qualified therapist is a crucial step toward healing and recovery.

How to help a friend dealing with trauma

Part of what the Cherry Hill Public Library is hoping these mental health talks will do is increase the conversation around mental health. Eventually, that conversation can turn inward toward friends, family members, and loved ones. 

Having a support system when you are going through hard times is a protective factor against mental illness. This means that if you go through a trauma, but have a wide network of friends, family members, and loved ones who support you afterwards, you are less likely to develop PTSD. 

Supporting a friend who is dealing with trauma can make a meaningful difference in their path to healing. Here's how you can offer compassionate support:

1. Listen with Empathy: Create a safe space for your friend to share their feelings and experiences. Be present, listen without judgment, and validate their emotions. Let them know that you're there for them.
2. Offer Reassurance and Understanding: Let your friend know that their feelings are valid and that it's okay to have a complex range of emotions. Assure them that they are not alone, and that you are there to support them through their journey.
3. Be Patient: Healing from trauma takes time. Encourage your friend to take things at their own pace and assure them that it's okay to seek professional help when they are ready.
4. Help Them Seek Professional Support: Encourage your friend to consider seeking help from a qualified therapist who specializes in trauma. You can offer to assist them in finding a therapist and scheduling an appointment, if they are comfortable with it.
5. Respect Boundaries: Respect your friend's boundaries and let them know that it's okay to set limits on what they feel comfortable discussing. Give them space when needed.
6. Encourage Self-Care: Suggest engaging in activities that promote self-care and relaxation, such as meditation, exercise, or spending time in nature. Offer to join them in activities that they enjoy.
7. Check In Regularly: Keep in touch with your friend regularly to show your ongoing support and remind them that you are there for them whenever they need.

Remember, supporting a friend through trauma can be emotionally challenging. It's important to take care of your own well-being as well. If you need additional guidance on how to support your friend, or if you find it emotionally overwhelming, consider reaching out to a therapist or a support group for advice. You are making a positive impact by being there for your friend, and your support can be a source of strength as they navigate their healing journey.

Trauma Therapy in Cherry Hill

Finally, trauma therapy is an undeniably effective tool when addressing trauma, and especially PTSD. Trauma therapy is proven to reduce symptoms of trauma and PTSD and improve health in the long term. 

Getting therapy for the first time can be a stressful process, so it helps to have someone on your side. Lifebulb Counseling and Therapy takes care of all of the administrative duties for you. That means we can verify your insurance benefits, set you up with the best price, and manage your scheduling. Also, if you have a few sessions with your therapist and decide they aren’t the right fit for you, you can switch to a different Cherry Hill Therapist. No extra fees and your company will stay the same. 

If you are struggling with trauma, therapy in Cherry Hill, NJ, can be the first step in recovery. Call our team for more information, or browse our therapist directory to find a Cherry Hill therapist near you.

Talk to us