Experiencing violence—especially when it happens to you or to someone you know and care about—is likely to cause stress, distress, anger, grief, perhaps fear, insecurity, and feelings of helplessness and isolation. This is called trauma. It can affect every part of your life and those close to you. It can also last a long time and cause you problems. Problems like sleeplessness, fear of going outside, stomachaches, fear of people, reacting to loud nois-es, or overreacting to situations that happen in your life.
Trying to handle trauma by yourself is difficult. Many people who suffer from it perhaps do not realize what is happening to them. Or maybe adults can figure out why they have prob-lems but don’t know what to do about it. On the other hand, children have no idea why they feel the way they do. And parents may not know how to help them.
There are things you can do to help yourself, like keeping up with your daily life, eating properly, and getting a good night’s rest. Talking about the event with people who have also experienced trauma can help to let out your feelings. Talking also helps you find solace and support.
The Chester Community Coalition was formed to offer free counseling for families and indi-viduals who are suffering from trauma related to violent experiences. Through individual and/or group therapy, people impacted by trauma can learn to cope with both the traumatic event and the problems they have as a result. Dealing with these problems can help survivors to energize themselves and reclaim their lives.
Therapy can also help children and adults regain a sense of safety and pull together to love and support one another—a worthy goal no matter the circumstances.
Call the Coalition for more information or to set up an appointment. We look forward to helping you.