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TRAUMA
Student Wellbeing Information for young people
What Is Trauma? If you are involved or witness a traumatic event, it is common to feel distressed, upset or confused afterwards. These feelings may not emerge straight away. These feelings become a problem, and require you to seek help, when they stop you leading your life as you want to. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event has difficulties, but it is important to remember to seek help if you do. Types of trauma Serious accident such as a car crash An event where you fear for your life Physical and/or sexual assault Abuse in childhood Extreme violence or seeing people hurt A natural disaster such as flood, or earthquake It is important to remember that experiencing trauma is not your fault. Neither are the emotions you may feel afterwards. You can help change these feelings through coping strategies, self-care and treatment.
Symptoms of Trauma Re-living the trauma Vivid flashbacks Intrusive thoughts and images Nightmares Distress at reminders of the trauma Pain Sweating
Nausea Shaking Alertness, feeling on edge Easily upset or angry Extreme alertness Anxiety Lack of concentration Easily startled Avoiding feelings or memories Keeping busy Avoiding situations that remind you of the trauma Feeling numb Unable to express affection Using drugs / alcohol Remember that experiencing trauma is not your fault. Neither are the emotions you may feel afterwards.
You can help change these feelings through Coping strategies Self-care Treatment Coping strategies Try breathing exercises; or just focus on your breathing Go for a walk or a run Listen to music
Self-care Eat healthily and take regular exercise Have a structured daily routine Find supportive relationships Recognise when you are becoming unwell Treatment Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps you understand the links between your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. It might help you stop avoiding things, and help you cope with other symptoms. Stress Management helps you develop skills such as relaxation, assertiveness and positive self-talk Medication can also help; speak to your GP if you think this could help you.
Distract yourself with something comforting Make a note of the positive thoughts you have Talk to someone you trust Talk to people with similar experiences Give yourself time
Useful sources of information Mental Health Crisis Line 0800 915 4644 Samaritans 116 123 (Freephone open 24/7) www.samaritans.org Childline 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk The Mix (under 25’s) 0808 808 4994 (Mon-Fri 4-11pm) www.themix.org.uk SHOUT 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime Text: 85258 www.giveusashout.org Support Line 01708 765200 www.supportline.org.uk SANE 0300 304 7000 4:30 to 10pm daily www.sane.org.uk ASSIST 01788 560800 www.assisttraumacare.org.uk No Panic 0844 9674848 or 0330 6061174 (13-20 years old, 3-6pm, Monday to Friday) www.nopanic.org.uk Anxiety UK 08444 775774 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 to 5:30) www.anxietyuk.org.uk KOOTH Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people (11-19 years) www.kooth.com
Rape/Sexual Assault/ Abuse Support
RASAC (Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre) Helpline 01483 546400 Mon-Thu 7.30-9.30pm www.rasasc.org THE HAVENS Urgent advice/appointments 020 32996900 www.thehavens.org.uk The Survivors Trust Helpline: 08088 010818 Text: 07860022956 www.thesurvivorstrust.org Rape Crisis 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse 0808500 2222 Support Line www.rapecrisis.org.uk RAIIN National Sexual Assault Hotline
0800 656 4673 www.rainn.org
NAPAC
Helpline 0808 801 0331 Mon-Thu 10am-9pm Fri 10am-6pm www.napac.org.uk NHS self help guides
Student Wellbeing is based in the SAFEGUARDING & WELLBEING HUB which is on the Ground Floor of the North Wing in Room N17 If you are struggling with your wellbeing please drop by and arrange to chat with one of the student wellbeing coaches. Alternatively, you can speak to your tutor who can refer you.
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