Trauma is an overwhelming event or events that renders an individual helpless, powerless, and creates a threat of harm and/or loss AND an
internalization of the experience that continues to impact the person’s development as well as their perception of self, others, and the world.

However, the effects of trauma don’t end when the traumatic event ends.

Childhood trauma isn’t something you just get over as you grow up. The repeated stress of abuse, neglect, and parents struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues has real, tangible effects on the development of the brain. This unfolds across a lifetime, to the point where those who’ve experienced high levels of trauma are at increased risk of health problems.

We are working to make Muskegon County a more trauma-informed and healthy community.