01/18/2026
It's difficult to understand what the ‘souls’ in Minnesota are going through right now. 💙🙏
Many people are experiencing trauma throughout our Minnesota communities. Trauma can happen to anyone. It’s the emotional and physical impact of distressing events, not the event itself, that can leave lasting effects. Trauma is common for people living with a mental illness and can arise from experiences like abuse, violence, natural disasters, bullying, loss, or historical and structural racism.
Trauma affects emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It can show up as anxiety, sadness, anger, nightmares, flashbacks, or even numbness. Not everyone experiences trauma the same way—even when facing the same event.
Understanding trauma means understanding the brain: the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex can all be impacted, influencing memory, emotional responses, and decision-making.
A trauma-informed approach shifts the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” It focuses on safety, trust, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural responsiveness, helping prevent re-traumatization.
Coping with trauma can include connecting with supportive people, practicing mindfulness, honoring boundaries, and seeking help from trauma-informed professionals. Supporting others means listening, validating, respecting boundaries, and promoting safety and connectedness.
At NAMI Minnesota, we offer the Introduction to Trauma and a Trauma-Informed Approach class. A one-hour overview of trauma, its impacts on the brain, and the guiding principles of a trauma-informed approach. The Board of Social Work has approved this class to provide 1 CEU upon completion. Email communityeducationcoordinator@namimn.org and request a class for your organization or community.
