Trauma is a significant public health issue that can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or socio-economic status. Traumatic experiences can have long-lasting effects on a person’s physical and emotional health, social relationships, and overall well-being. While healthcare professionals and mental health workers are trained to recognise and respond to trauma, non-professionals can also benefit from trauma training.

Trauma training for non-professionals is becoming increasingly important as more people realize the prevalence of trauma in society. Trauma training can help non-professionals recognise the signs and symptoms of trauma, provide appropriate support, and promote healing and resilience in individuals who have experienced trauma.

Here are some reasons why trauma training is important for non-professionals:

Traumatic events are common and all of us are susceptible to trauma. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 70% of adults have experienced some form of trauma in their lifetime. This means that non-professionals are likely to encounter individuals who have experienced trauma in their personal or professional lives.

Non-professionals, such as family members, friends, and coworkers, are often the first line of support for individuals who have experienced trauma. Non-professionals may not have the training or knowledge to recognise the signs of trauma or provide effective support. The best trauma training Scotland has to offer can help non-professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective support and connect individuals with professional resources.

Traumatic events can occur anywhere, from the workplace to the home or school. Non-professionals may encounter individuals who have experienced trauma in a variety of settings, and it is important for them to be prepared to provide appropriate support.

Trauma-informed care recognises and addresses the impact of trauma and promotes healing and resilience. Trauma-informed care is becoming more commonplace in a wide range of industries. By receiving trauma training in Scotland, non-professionals will be able to handle their own trauma better and support people around them.

What Can Non-Professionals Learn from Trauma Training?

Non-professionals can learn a variety of skills and knowledge from trauma training. Here are some examples:

Trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, including physical symptoms, emotional distress, and behavioural changes. Non-professionals can learn how to recognise the signs of trauma in themselves and others, including common triggers and symptoms.

Non-professionals will acquire the skills required to effectively support those who have experienced trauma. This may include active listening, providing emotional support, and directing those who need support to the right resources.

Non-professionals can also learn about the importance of self-care when providing support to individuals who have experienced trauma. Trauma can be emotionally taxing, and it is important for non-professionals to take care of themselves as well.

Non-professionals can learn about trauma-informed care and how to implement it in their own lives and workplaces. This may include developing policies and procedures that support trauma-informed care, creating safe and supportive environments for individuals who have experienced trauma, and advocating for trauma-informed approaches to care.

Trauma training for non-professionals is becoming increasingly important as more people recognise the prevalence of trauma in society.