After one of our schools experience a very traumatic event, we believe parents, teachers, and other caring adults should know the effects of trauma and its impact on the brain. Trauma that is left untreated can have a major, long lasting effects on mental and physical health, which could also lead to more serious health conditions such as obesity or heart disease. For example, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can alter the brain in two crucial areas:
- Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) – When we decisions, we use our PFC to determine a response to a situation. The PFC also regulates awareness and emotions. PTSD decreases this function, making it difficult for individuals to regulate a response.
- Amygdala – a small-almond shape of neurons that detects environmental threats and activates the “fight or flight response.” Individuals with PTSD tend to have less control of their reactive responses and behaviors when they are triggered.
Below are available resources for you or your kids/students in need of mental health assistance. Click here to see our full list of services.
- Youth Crisis Mobile Response – 1-833-885-2273
- Reach Out Hotline – 1-800-522-9054
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line – Text CRISIS to 741741
