The prevalence and impact of trauma is undeniable. Statistics show that as many as 90% of the people who enter the public behavioral health system have experienced trauma. The adverse childhood experiences study (ACE) demonstrates the correlation between early childhood adversity and negative health outcomes in adulthood, including heart disease, cancer, substance misuse and mental health challenges.
Our series Trauma and the Peer Perspective examines the myriad of ways trauma is defined and addressed within behavioral health systems. We explore how systems can create trauma and/or retraumatize those seeking help and how trauma informed peer support and services can be a game changer.
