7.9: Reason to Be
- Page ID
- 215487
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Every human needs to have a reason to be... a purpose and meaning for his/her life. Children who have encountered trauma in their lives tend to be resilient; they overcome even the most unthinkable circumstances and treatment, and they persevere. In this ingredient to trauma informed care, we examine the humanistic need to have a reason to be.
This text has presented a lot of information about ACEs. In studying children who are exposed to toxic stress, we see children who have had their human nature violated. When children suffer, they often don’t understand what is happening to them. Dr. Robert Anda refers to this as suffering without meaning. (Adverse Childhood Experiences in our Society) Dr. Anda points out that:
- "Human beings are made to love each other and to speak the truth".
- "Children with trauma don't know how to love, and don't know how to recognize the truth."
- "To suffer without meaning is a kind of hell."
- "Our job is to help children find perspective so that they can take control."
- "The human heart is on a quest for happiness."
- Positive experiences can buffer adversity
- It is NEVER TOO LATE!
- We can help these children and society heal by using informed strategies, providing resources, etc.
All too often, children who have experienced trauma and have not received the help that they needed, have turned to gangs for a sense of security and belonging. Gang lifestyles often provide the type of excitement and stimulation which feels similar to the toxic stress experienced while the child’s brain was being wired. A child who is disconnected remains discouraged. All behavior is purposeful; the behavior of a gang is to belong and take control, the behavior of acting out is to get attention or express frustration… the key is to help the child find appropriate behavior that meets his/her needs. When a child perceives danger or stress, they will often freeze; this causes them to hold their breath. If the child is reminded to breathe deeply, it can release the freeze reaction and help start a different sequence of events. Starting at the brain stem, the child can then move through the various stages of brain engagement until they are able to use reasonable thought processes.
When working with children who have been traumatized, it is crucial that they feel in charge of something that makes a difference. It is important that they have a reason to be there each day, a reason for life. Having a “Reason to Be” gives HOPE.