For many children, childhood is a time of wonder, play, and discovery. These children have parents who give them the safety and security to explore the world around them and grow to reach their full potential. But some children have one or more parents who lack the right skills or behavior to allow their children to feel safe, secure, and unconditionally loved.
The journey of self-love and self-acceptance is often difficult for anyone, but members of the LGBTQ+ community often face unique mental health challenges. Due to societal stigma, discrimination, and a lack of understanding, individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or any other sexual or gender minority may experience higher rates of mental illness.
You know you got your hairline from your Dad’s side of the family and your eye color from your mom. You know diabetes runs in your family, as does heart disease and Parkinson’s. But do you know that many families also pass down trauma to their loved ones? It’s not just our physical makeup and risk of disease that we inherit from our family, it is also the emotional wounds as well.
If you’ve ever gone to the doctor or been treated at an emergency room, you know that the entire scenario can feel incredibly invasive. Sensitive questions are often asked, intimate body parts may need to be examined, and the medical treatment may be uncomfortable and even painful. How can medical professionals provide quality healthcare to people who have experienced some form of trauma in their past? Through trauma-informed care.