The stress of the pandemic may trigger childhood trauma for many

A woman holds a pillow while sleeping in a bed.
Stress related to the pandemic is keeping more Americans up at night. And for many, the stress of the last 18 months has triggered their buried childhood trauma.
Photo by Ivan Oboleninov from Pexels file

Was there ever a moment during the pandemic — or likely, several — when you felt more frustrated or sad than the situation warranted?

That could be due to childhood trauma. Adverse Childhood Experiences, known as ACES, can impact a person throughout their lifetime. And events over the past 18 months, from the murder of George Floyd to the unpredictability of the pandemic, have likely triggered responses in many of us that can be traced back to trauma experienced early in life.

Susan Beaulieu is an expert in childhood trauma, especially as it intersects with Native communities, and she spoke with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer about how the stress of the last 18 months affects our bodies.

Guest:

  • Susan Beaulieu is an expert in how to heal after childhood trauma. She specializes in working with indigenous communities and is a member of the Red Lake Nation.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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