Film and forum address issues that connect to trauma
On Wednesday, Oct. 2, Kimme Carlos, founder and executive director of Urban Mental Health Alliance. hosts a forum on The Art & Science of Healing as it relates to childhood trauma.
Guests should make their way to George Washington Ballroom at the Trenton War Memorial located at 1 Memorial Drive. Doors open at 5 p.m. A light dinner is planned followed by remarks by Mayor Reed Gusciora. Film screening starts at 5:30 p.m. with a discussion to follow.
“One thing to know about childhood trauma is that it’s common. And another is that it doesn’t go away. In fact, trauma — abuse, violence, poverty, neglect, divorce — changes developing bodies and brains in ways that can affect generations,” Carlos writes.
“But the most important thing to know about childhood trauma is that we can change those outcomes. I know because I’ve lived it; and I know because I’ve helped others do it.”
Assistance opportunities continue as Carlos, the City of Trenton and the Trenton Health Team presents a free screening of the acclaimed documentary Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope, followed by a conversation with Dr. David Johnson, whose work is highlighted in the film.
Carlos said the film chronicles the birth of a new movement among pediatricians, therapists, educators and communities, who employ cutting-edge brain science to disrupt cycles of violence, addiction and disease.
In 2016, one in four children had experienced frequent economic hardship, and a similar proportion had experienced parental divorce or separation. About one in 10 had lived with someone with a substance abuse problem, 8 percent had a parent serve time in jail, and 8 percent had lived with someone who was mentally ill or suicidal, according to Child Trends. And children living in poverty are more likely to have experienced three or more adverse experiences.
“I spent almost 20 years in active alcoholism only to learn in recovery that my physical and emotional pain was a result of several childhood adverse experiences. The alcoholism was a way of numbing the pain and coping through the day. Now 17 years in recovery from alcoholism, and having learned how to manage my symptoms of depression and social anxiety, I am focused more than ever on sharing these life strategies with others,” Carlos explained.
“This is a difficult conversation to have given the history marginalized communities have endured. It is self-preservation that teaches us to never show weakness or vulnerability; don’t discuss depression, anxiety or fear.”
Part of life pressures tether the condition of poverty and the daily issues connected to economic challenges. Trenton Health Team notes that Trenton residents are more likely to live in poverty that others in Mercer County and children living in poverty are more likely to have experienced three or more traumas. Such adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) — abuse, violence, poverty, neglect, divorce — affect individuals, families and communities.
While many adults need better coping skills to handle aforementioned issues adequately, imagine traumas felt by young people. A recent discussion with two Trenton Central High School teen coeds focused on violence, particularly a recent shooting incident that left one person dead while another teen suffered severe injuries inside Liberty III Laundromat. The shooting occurred less that one block from the high school.
“Oh, yes, it affects us, especially since violence happens to a friend, family member or someone you know. It’s all connected,” a 17-year-old girl said.
“My brother, he lost a couple of his friends to shootings. It’s scary living in Trenton,” another girl added. The residue of violence could be seen in their eyes and heard in their voices.
Both teens said they would attend a forum to discuss their feelings about violence.
That’s good to know because trauma should not be swept under carpets or stowed away in hearts or closets. We need conversations that occur in safe environments if there’s any hope of making inroads on depression. Stigmas should not exist for people who feel vulnerable, nor for those who seek professional help.
“This is a unique opportunity to explore how we can prevent and heal the impacts of trauma,” said Gregory Paulson, THT executive director.
“We look forward to finding new ways to build on our community’s assets and improve outcomes for everyone calling Trenton home.”
Urban Mental Health Alliance exists as a Trenton-based grassroots nonprofit advocating for mental health and wellness of urban families and communities. UMHA is partnering with the Trenton Health Team, a nonprofit health care collaborative serving Trenton since 2006.