The State of Michigan recently enhanced the website that provides information about the effects of trauma and toxic stress and ways to decrease negative outcomes. It is full of great information, including definitions of important terms to know as we discuss ACEs, grow awareness and search for solutions.

Can you define “toxic stress” or “secondary trauma?” Explore the graphics below that we created based on definitions provided by MDHHS.

These kinds of acute traumatic events include the following:

  • School shootings
  • Gang-related violence in the community
  • Terrorist attacks
  • Natural disasters (for example, earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes)
  • Serious accidents (for example, car or motorcycle crashes)
  • Sudden or violent loss of a loved one
  • Physical or sexual assault (for example, being beaten, shot, or raped)

Want to learn more? This article by The Atlantic outlines why “grit” is not enough when students are dealing with toxic stress.

 

The MAHP Foundation received funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to support the Creating Healing Communities: A Statewide Initiative to Address Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Michigan. Learn more here.