YEAR 12 ATAR ENGLISH
Boy Swallows Universe
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INTRODUCTION
This page has been created to support Year 12 ATAR English students who are doing a novel study of Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton and is a starting point for those researching the issue of dealing with trauma.
Note: Some people may find the content in these pages confronting and/or distressing. If any content raises concerns for you please seek support from either our school psychologists or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Created by: Ms Bright | Last updated: February 2021
DEALING WITH TRAUMA – INTRODUCTION
Traumatic events are common, and most people will experience at least one during their lives. Trauma comes in many forms and affects thousands of Australians every day. Most people recover with the help of family and friends, but there are effective treatments for those needing extra support.
Watch this brief video to understand more about trauma and how it affects people.
Phoenix Austalia. (2020, July 23). Understanding trauma [Video]. https://youtu.be/v60Pi87sqhI
CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AND THE BRAIN (VIDEO)
A general introduction to what happens in the brain after children face traumatic experiences in childhood, like abuse and neglect.
Anna Freud NCCF. (2020, September 17). Childhood Trauma and the Brain [Video]. https://youtu.be/xYBUY1kZpf8
HOW CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AFFECTS HEALTH (VIDEO)
Childhood trauma isn’t something you just get over as you grow up. Pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris explains that 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 triple the risk for heart disease and lung cancer. An impassioned plea for pediatric medicine to confront the prevention and treatment of trauma, head-on.
TED. (2015, February 18 ). How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime [Video]. https://youtu.be/95ovIJ3dsNk
REPORTS (ONLINE)
Orygen & The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health. (2018). Trauma and young people: moving toward trauma-informed services and systems. https://www.orygen.org.au/Policy/Policy-Reports/Trauma-and-young-people-Moving-toward-trauma-info/Orygen_trauma_and_young_people_policy_report?ext=.
Experiences of trauma are common and international studies suggest that between half to two-thirds of young people will have been exposed to at least one traumatic event by the age of 16 years. For young people in contact with the justice system or in the care of family and human services, from refugee backgrounds, those working in armed forces or emergency services, or young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the likelihood of having experienced trauma is much higher.
NEWS ARTICLES (ONLINE)
Dube, S.R. (2017, May 24). How childhood trauma can affect mental and physical health into adulthood. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/how-childhood-trauma-can-affect-mental-and-physical-health-into-adulthood-77149
For millions of children in the U.S., poverty, neglect or abuse is a reality of everyday life, though these struggles are often hidden from view.
Moon, L. (2019, July 1). ‘You grow up hating yourself’: why child abuse survivors keep – and break – their silence. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jul/01/you-grow-up-hating-yourself-why-child-abuse-survivors-keep-and-break-their-silence
The average victim takes 24 years to reveal their secret and disclosure is often the key to recovery.
Earlier this year Erin Delaney revealed on Facebook a secret she’d kept from almost everyone.
Zanolli, L. (2018, November 7). Can people be saved from a terrible childhood? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2018/nov/07/ace-adverse-childhood-experience-trauma
US researchers have found early intervention can help prevent negative experiences in infancy turning into long-term health risks.
WEBSITES
AIHW. (2020, July 23). Stress and trauma. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/stress-and-trauma
According to Gomes 2014, ‘Trauma is an experience of extreme stress or shock that is/or was, at some point, part of life’.
BlueKnot Foundation. (2021). Understanding abuse and trauma. https://www.blueknot.org.au/Resources/Information/Understanding-terms-trauma-and-abuse
Trauma is a state of high arousal in which severe threat or the perception of severe threat overwhelms the capacity to cope. Trauma is very common. People experience it differently. Certain experiences are traumatic for some and not for others. The impacts of trauma depend on a person’s age/s, prior experience/s, and its extent and duration. People can experience trauma in a range of situations. These include natural disasters, accidents, betrayal in relationships, and/or being abused or victimised. This section explains the following terms:
What is complex trauma? What is childhood trauma? What is child abuse? What is vicarious trauma?
headspace. (2019, November 12). The impact of trauma on mental health. https://headspace.org.au/young-people/the-impact-of-trauma-on-mental-health/
People experience trauma differently but with the right support, things can get better.
Phoenix Australia. (2021) Recovery. https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/recovery/
The page outlines: What are traumatic events? — How trauma effects people — What you can do to help yourself — What you can do to help others.
A range of fact sheets and booklets are also included, e.g. Dealing with Trauma – A Guide for Young People who have Experienced Trauma
Reach Out Australia. (2021). Coping with trauma and seeking help. https://au.reachout.com/mental-health-issues/trauma
If you or someone you care about have experienced a traumatic event, it can affect your sense of safety and emotional wellbeing. While it can be hard to make sense of how it’s affecting you, if the feelings are ongoing it’s a good idea to talk to someone you trust and seek support.
Learn more about what a traumatic experience is, what are some common responses to trauma, and get some tips on how to cope.