What is trauma informed language in health and social care?

Trauma-informed language in health and social care

In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the importance of trauma-informed care in health and social care settings. Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognises the prevalence of trauma in society and aims to provide care that is respectful, non-judgmental, and empowering for people who have experienced trauma. One important aspect of trauma-informed care is the use of trauma-informed language, which can have a significant impact on the experiences of people who have experienced trauma.

The language used in health and social care settings can be stigmatising, shaming, and dismissive of people’s experiences. This can have a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of people who have experienced trauma and can make it difficult for them to access the care and support they need. Trauma-informed language is intended to reduce the risk of re-traumatisation and promote healing and recovery.

Examples of non-trauma-informed language in health and social care

Examples of non-trauma-informed language in health and social care settings might include phrases like “victim” “mentally ill” or “mentally unstable”. The use of the term “victim” can be disempowering for people who have experienced trauma, reinforcing feelings of helplessness and vulnerability. Conversely, the term “survivor” can be empowering, acknowledging the strength and resilience of the individual in coping with the trauma. Similarly, using language that is stigmatising or judgmental, such as “mentally ill” or “mentally unstable”, can further exacerbate feelings of shame and guilt.

Trauma-informed language, on the other hand, is non-judgmental and non-blaming. It acknowledges the individual’s strengths and resilience in coping with trauma and avoids reinforcing feelings of helplessness or vulnerability. Some examples of trauma-informed language in health and social care settings might include:

Person with a history of trauma: This phrase acknowledges the individual’s experiences without defining them solely as a victim or survivor of trauma.

Person experiencing distress: This phrase avoids stigmatising language like “mentally ill” and focuses on the individual’s current state of distress rather than defining them by a diagnosis.

Trauma-informed care: This phrase recognises the importance of understanding and addressing the impact of trauma in care settings.

Challenging Behaviour and Hard to Engage: Behaviour stemming from unmet needs, collaboration rather than engagement could be alternatives to stigmatising language

In health and social care settings, it is common to use phrases like “challenging behaviour” or “hard to engage” to describe people who are struggling with mental health or behavioural issues. However, these phrases are stigmatising and dismissive of the individual’s experiences. Instead, it is important to use language that is non-judgmental and focused on the individual’s needs and experiences. Here are some alternatives to stigmatising language:

Multiple Unmet Needs: This phrase recognises the individual’s unique needs and challenges without stigmatising or labelling them as “difficult” or “challenging”.

Person with unmet needs: This phrase puts the focus on the person rather than their behaviour or condition, and recognises the complexity of their needs and experiences.

Person who needs extra support: This phrase acknowledges that the person requires additional support without stigmatising or labelling them.

The Impact of Stigma, Judgement, and Bias

The use of stigmatising language can have a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of people who have experienced trauma. It can reinforce feelings of shame and guilt, making it difficult for individuals to seek the care and support they need. Stigma and bias can also affect the quality of care that individuals receive, leading to inadequate or inappropriate treatment.

Research has shown that people who have experienced trauma are more likely to experience negative health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. This can be compounded by the use of stigmatising language in health and social care settings. Stigma and bias can also affect the way that healthcare providers interact with their patients, leading to negative or dismissive attitudes towards people who have experienced trauma. This can result in a lack of trust and a breakdown in communication between the patient and the healthcare provider.

Using trauma-informed language can help to reduce the risk of re-traumatisation and promote healing and recovery. It can also help to build trust and improve communication between healthcare providers and their patients. By using language that is non-judgmental and focused on the individual’s needs and experiences, healthcare providers can create a safe and supportive environment for people who have experienced trauma.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of trauma-informed language is an important aspect of providing trauma-informed care in health and social care settings. Stigmatising language can have a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of people who have experienced trauma, making it difficult for them to access the care and support they need. Trauma-informed language, on the other hand, is non-judgmental and focused on the individual’s needs and experiences. By using trauma-informed language, healthcare providers can promote healing and recovery, build trust and improve communication with their patients, creating a safe and supportive environment for people who have experienced trauma.