The Connection Between Trauma and the Holidays

Overview of Trauma

The DSM-5 defines trauma as an event that causes a lasting negative impact on a person’s mental and physical health. Traumatic events can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, and while these symptoms are normal after experiencing trauma, individuals can have difficulty moving past the events and symptoms.  

Symptoms of Trauma

Signs and symptoms of trauma can manifest  in many ways, including  re-experiencing, avoidance, arousal, cognition, and mood fluctuations (NIH, 2023). 

Common symptoms of trauma include, but not limited to:

Flashbacks

Avoiding people, places, or items related to the traumatic event

Feeling tense, on guard, or on edge

Irritability or aggressive outbursts

Feelings of social isolation

Difficulty experiencing  positive emotions, such as happiness or satisfaction

Difficulty concentrating

Ongoing negative emotions, such as fear, anger, guilt, or shame

Holidays and Trauma

For many, the holiday season is full of joy and comfort, but for those that have experienced extensive trauma or intense grief, the holidays can be a season for emotional distress. It is important to be mindful of things or situations that may serve as triggers for those with a history of trauma. Holiday triggers can include gatherings and traditions, hectic schedules and disrupted routines, as well as  seasonal sights, sounds, and smells (Child Wellbeing & Trauma, 2023).

How to Help Someone Cope with Trauma Over the Holidays

There are many ways we can help those we care about cope with trauma and the symptoms that may become more prominent during the holiday season: 

Avoid sensory overload

Stick to known routines 

Create new traditions

Avoid making assumptions about behavior 

Let the person choose what they are comfortable with

Encourage positive conversations

Use positive and non-threatening language 

Seek out local or federal trauma resources

Parental Advice and Clinical Interventions

When a child is dealing with trauma-related symptoms and receiving professional services, it’s important to maintain open communication with their clinicians about concerns, current functioning, and treatment plans to ensure that it is best fit for the child. If you are interested in any additional trauma resources, or would like to pursue a consultation, evaluation, or treatment for your child, please contact the Sunfield Center to start the process. You can reach our team by calling (734) 929-4596, or by filling out an appointment request form on our website: https://sunfieldcenter.com/contact-us/.

Relevant Trauma Resources

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

• Provides educational resources, including training, screening assessments, and education on being a trauma-informed clinician.

Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute 

• Offers educational resources such as free webinars, assessment tools, books, and resources with an indigenous focus.

Michigan Trauma-Informed Local Coalitions 

• Provides resources organized by county, which  can be filtered by categories such as children & family, adult, toxic stress and trauma-informed care.

References

Helping children who have or are experiencing trauma work through difficult emotions this holiday season. Child Trauma and Wellbeing. (2023) https://childwellbeingandtrauma.org/helping-children-who-have-or-are-experiencing-trauma-work-through-difficult-emotions-this-holiday-season/   

Michigan Trauma-Informed Local Coalitions. (2019). Michigan.gov. https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/childrenfamilies/tts/btim/mtilc   

National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Coping with Traumatic Events. Www.nimh.nih.gov. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-traumatic-events 

Peterson, S. (2018, February 28). Resources. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. https://www.nctsn.org/resources 

Resources – Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute. (2021, August 25). Ctrinstitute.com. https://ctrinstitute.com/resources/ 

The National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd 

Wright, J. (2022, October 13). Trauma-Informed Care and Holidays. Upbring. https://upbring.org/holidays-can-be-challenging-trauma-informed-care-can-help