The prevalence of trauma in Scotland is a silent epidemic, affecting individuals, families, and communities at every level. Defined in the Oxford Dictionary as “a physical injury or wound, or a powerful psychological shock that has damaging effects”, the impact of trauma can be devastating to our physical and mental health , our employment opportunities, our relationships and our economic well-being. On a societal level, trauma can fuel criminality, increase social unrest, and hinder the development of a truly just and fair society.
Trauma is caused by the act, or the events that occur. But the lasting work, which so many find so hard to do, is in learning how to move past our trauma, to heal, and to live a full and meaningful life. Every day as CEO of Thriving Survivors - and as someone who has lived experience of significant childhood trauma - I see the presence of unhealed trauma within Scotland.
The 2019 Scottish Government Scottish Health Survey found that 71% of the Scottish adult population reported having at least one adverse childhood experience, with 15% experiencing four or more. It’s crucial it is that we get better at addressing the challenges that trauma presents. But how? Navigating this crisis requires a collective effort, starting with increasing awareness of trauma and its impact.
There need to be more open conversations about experiences of sexual violence, gender-based violence, childhood abuse, and other forms of adversity to break the silence and p.