Trauma Transformed Connections

Dear TIS Network,

We miss being in physical proximity with all of you but appreciate the opportunities we have to connect virtually and over the phone. We deeply appreciate all the actions you are taking to ensure the care of others, the safety of staff, and the protection of the community--all while navigating rapidly changing conditions and stressors.

In support of your work and the Trauma-Informed Systems (TIS) movement, we created this newsletter to send resources to support our TIS network during these tender and critical times. TIS was created to humanize bureaucracy and center equity - tasks that are especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. We invite you to explore this newsletter with resources on how to apply TIS principles to this moment of COVID-19.

In Solidarity,

The staff at Trauma Transformed

In this together: TIS resources for supporting

one another during COVID-19

Principle of the Month:

Understanding Trauma and Stress

Without understanding trauma, we are more likely to adopt behaviors and beliefs that are negative and unhealthy. However, when we understand trauma and stress we can act compassionately and take well-informed steps toward wellness.

There can be any number of feelings related to COVID-19 and changes it has caused in our lives. Adults, children, and teens may feel greater stress, worry, anger and sadness. Grief and a sense of isolation may be common. We may also experience a sense of calm and acceptance. It is important to remember that it is okay for people to respond in their own way.

Calling, emailing, sending cards , and checking in on others are just a few ways to build connection and support one another during this time. Leaders and colleagues can create a supportive work environment by prioritizing wellbeing and relationships, communicating regularly to discuss needs and changes, and working together to adapt and respond. Learn more about these and other TIS strategies by visiting the links below:

TIS Resources:

Signs of Stress and Trauma and Strategies for Well-being (PDF)

Healing Mass Trauma during Covid-19

Supporting Safety & Stability

Suggestions for supporting your system:

As much as possible maintain a routine.

Try to keep regular working hours and avoid contacting employees and co-workers outside of their normal work day.
Hold regular meetings and check-ins, for example at the same time and number each week. Avoid holding meetings during lunch hours and encourage staff to take a lunch break.
Hold a virtual social hour (or 1/2 hour) every other week for staff to maintain and build connection.

Suggestions for supporting yourself:

As much as possible maintain a routine using these 4 steps.

Eat healthy meals and snacks.
Get good sleep, aim to wake up and go to sleep at about the same time each day.
Avoid reading too much news and focus on reputable resources that provide practical guidance; make time to read good news.
Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, for example taking a daily walk. To make your walk more social, you could pick a time when you and a friend can call each other on the phone and go on a walk together.

Reducing Risk

A face mask can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Read about how to put on and remove a face mask

to protect yourself

and others.

Download Graphic (PDF)

Partner Resources

Mindful Moments: This video series was created by the Trauma Informed Systems (TIS) team at the San Francisco Dept. of Public Health.

Laughter and play are great stress relievers. Here are some resources for sparking joy:

Caregiving Corner

Advice for parents working from home.

Tips for reducing social isolation among older adults.

Have something to share?

Please send us an email and we will share in the next issue.