Trauma may be perceived differently for everyone. Some experience traumas physically, mentally, emotionally. People’s exposure to trauma impacts their psychological, physical, spiritual, environmental, and social well-belling. Trauma exposure can psychologically impact a person because it can affect their mental health. They may be psychologically suffering, hearing thoughts in their head, dealing with demons, all internal factors that they are facing that we cannot see. The physical impact of trauma will be visible. These people may lack self-care, they may have bruises, bleeds, they may look and present themselves in a timid manner. When a person exposed to trauma and their spiritual well-being is impacted, they may fear that they can’t connect and find healing, they may feel detached. The patient’s environment can be impacted by trauma because the patient may not have a safe place. The patient’s environment may be the scene of their trauma, they may not have family to go to and their environment can affect their psychological well-being as well. Lastly, social well-being is impacted by trauma exposure because as I mentioned above and depending on the trauma, they experienced people may be timid when talking to others, they may stay clear of social situations and isolate themselves. Trauma exposure impacts the person’s whole well-being.

 Adverse childhood experiences (ACES) don’t just affect a person in their childhood; these experiences are life-long. Some long-term impacts of adverse childhood experiences are chronic health conditions such as heart disease and stroke. ACES affect the person’s mental health, well-being, and lead to chronic health issues as mentioned above, as well as substance issues. ACES impact the person’s day to day life for as long as they live.

I will apply the Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles to my future nursing practice by being an advocate for my patients as well as person that they can trust. I will provide a safe space for my patients to share what they feel comfortable sharing. I will tell them that everything is confidential, and I can set them up with external resources and support groups if that’s what they would like. I will encourage my patients to use their voice because it is such a powerful tool and I will remind them that they are not alone.