People who experienced this kind of trauma as children often struggle with identity, healthy relationships, self-reliance, coping mechanisms, and belonging. This can create high levels of cortisol in the body and causes a number of chronic health conditions. Exposure to complex trauma can alter a person’s brain, enlarging the amygdala – the body’s flight or fight centre – meaning people with unresolved complex trauma are often in a heightened state of physiological responsiveness. Complex trauma happens when a child or young person experiences repeated or prolonged trauma – for example the multiple and overlapping traumas experienced by children who were forcibly removed. There is consensus in the field of trauma research that people ‘who are exposed to traumatic events also experience psychological and physical health problems.’ Research has shown that Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants are more likely to experience negative social and emotional wellbeing and health outcomes than other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and are more likely to live with social disadvantage across a range of indicators.Ĭomplex trauma can have devastating impacts on people’s lives. In children trauma may manifest as disorganised or agitated behaviour. They can include intense fear, anxiety, helplessness, guilt, anger, and horror. Telling Our Stories – Our Stolen Generations – Michael Welsh How does trauma impact people? breakdown of healthy patterns of individual, family, and community life.forced removal of children from their families, communities, Country, and culture.labour exploitation, including stolen wages.control under ‘protection’ acts, including the lack of autonomy over where one could live, work, or who they could marry.undermining of traditional identity, spirituality, language, and cultural practices.destruction of Indigenous forms of governance, leadership, and community organisation.dispossession of traditional lands and loss of access to resources.conflicts, massacres, and frontier violence.Trauma can compound, and people might experience overlapping or interrelated traumatic incidents.įor First Nations communities the trauma of colonisation can stem from: Traumatic events can be one off or involve a series of distressing experiences over time. People can experience trauma by being exposed to other people who have unresolved trauma, witnessing traumatic incidents, by trauma being passed down through generations, or experienced within a community. Traumatic events do not need to be experienced directly to affect individuals. Common symptoms of trauma include fear, anxiety, difficulty with relationships, impulsive behaviours, and feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and confusion. Trauma can affect a person for varying lengths of time, and impact on them in many ways. Trauma can occur following exposure to experiences or situations that are emotionally painful and distressing, and that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. Alcohol and Other Drugs Knowledge Centre.| Social and Emotional Wellbeing Resources Summary of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.Overview of Aboriginal and torres Strait Islander health.
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