The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of attention to mental health concerns during our time of social distancing and staying at home. Fear, depression, and anxiety have been at the forefront of the conversation regarding our mental and emotional health however, not much has been discussed regarding how psychologically traumatic this experience is for us and our nation.

We recognize that this outbreak has not been categorized as being a "trauma" for many reasons which may include not understanding what exactly trauma is, not perceiving that what they are undergoing is actually a potentially traumatic experience, and possibly that people may not be able to conceptualize that trauma can happen at this magnitude for all of us.

The Chester County ACEs Coalition would like to ensure that we all understand what exactly a "trauma" is as well as who could be effected by it. The CDC refers to a "traumatic event" as "an event, or series of events, that causes moderate to severe stress reactions. Traumatic events are characterized by a sense of horror, helplessness, serious injury, or the threat of serious injury or death. Traumatic events affect survivors, rescue workers, and friends and relatives of victims who have been directly involved. In addition to potentially affecting those who suffer injuries or loss. They may also affect people who have witnessed the event either firsthand or on television. Stress reactions immediately following a traumatic event are very common, however, most of the reactions will resolve within ten days."