Healing in the Wake of Trauma: Faith and Practical Tools for Moving Forward
- Catholic Charities
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
In recent weeks, communities across the country have again been shaken by tragic acts of violence. From Minneapolis to Utah, from Michigan to Evergreen, the weight of trauma lingers long after the news cycle moves on. For many families, the effects are evident in sleepless nights, a loss of interest in daily activities or the quiet ache of fear. Yet as Catholics, we know that God desires healing and offers hope even in the darkest valleys.
What is trauma?
Trauma is more than the event itself — it is the strong emotional response that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. It may arise from a single shocking incident, such as violence or disaster, or from long-term instability like abuse or neglect. Trauma leaves an imprint on the mind, body and emotions, sometimes in ways that are not immediately visible.
Most people, with the right support, will gradually recover. But some are more vulnerable — those who are very close to the traumatic event, who have suffered past trauma, who struggle with addiction or mental illness, or who carry heavy family or community stress.
How does trauma show up in daily life?
The reactions to trauma vary, but they can include shock, fear, sadness, grief, guilt, shame, confusion, pessimism or anger. In most cases, these initial responses are temporary and lessen over time.
Warning Signs:
Disruption or withdrawal from peer or family relationships
General lack of energy or interest in previously enjoyed activities
Decline in school/work performance, school/work avoidance, or difficulty concentrating
Physical complaints with no apparent cause (e.g., stomachaches, headaches)
Drug or alcohol use, severe aggression
Repeated nightmares and reporting strong fears of death or violence
Repetitive play or talk re-enacting the traumatic events
Sleeping (difficulty falling or staying asleep) and eating disturbances
Increased startle response, or quick to anger, agitation, irritability, impatience
Aggressiveness or short temper through verbal outbursts, hitting and slamming objects, pets or people, or a desire to do harm
Regression in behavior (thumb sucking, clinginess, fear of the dark, assuming fetal position)
Sense of losing control over life
Social media posts expressing intolerance or anger
If these symptoms persist or significantly disrupt daily life, professional help is needed. Left untreated, trauma can affect not only mental health but also relationships, work, and even physical well-being.
Practical steps for families
The Church has always been a place of refuge and healing. Alongside prayer, the sacraments and the support of parish life, practical resources can make a real difference:
Pay attention to changes. Notice when your child no longer enjoys what once gave joy, or when an adult seems stuck in cycles of fear or anger.
Offer stability. Simple routines of meals, bedtime and family prayer provide a sense of safety for children and teens.
Encourage conversation. Allow space for the honest expression of feelings, even when they are painful. Listening without judgment communicates God’s love in action.
Seek professional support. Catholic counselors, like those at St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities, provide faith-filled guidance for both children and adults.
If despair or suicidal thoughts arise, immediate help is available. Call 988 to be connected 24/7 with a trained specialist or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. For therapy appointments in the Denver area, St. Raphael Counseling can be reached at (720) 337-1359.
A hope rooted in Christ
The Resurrection reminds us that suffering and death never have the final word. Trauma may alter the path of our lives, but it does not erase the truth that we are beloved sons and daughters of the Father. As St. Paul assures us, “Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).
