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Raising Resilient Teens: Third Event Sheds Light on the Effects of Childhood Trauma

Picture of Taia Condie

Taia Condie

Community Liaison for Place-Based Partnerships & ACC AmeriCorps Member

Trigger Warning: Mentions of trauma and suicide

The third event of the Raising Resilient Teens speaker series was held at Mexico High School on Thursday, March 20. Christina McCaw, Director of Student Services for Mexico Public Schools, led an important conversation on trauma, discussing its definitions, signs, and strategies for supporting those who experience it.

 

McCaw introduced parents to the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), explaining that trauma can extend beyond mental health and significantly affect physical health. She outlined how ACEs can alter brain development and trigger heightened fight, flight, or freeze responses—reactions more frequently activated in individuals with unresolved trauma.

The event included alarming statistics: Two out of three students in the United States experience some form of trauma. Those with trauma are three times more likely to suffer from depression and 15 times more likely to die by suicide.

McCaw highlighted that trauma can stem from various sources—sometimes even everyday experiences like medical appointments can leave lasting emotional marks. She emphasized that while trauma may be unavoidable, communication and coping skills can empower children and parents to manage its effects.

“Structure and consistency are important. We need to make sure that kids know their routines and what to expect. That sense of predictability is key.”

Christina McCaw, Director of Student Services for Mexico Public Schools Tweet

Attendees received resources on understanding trauma and teaching healthy coping strategies. “Some coping skills are as easy as taking five minutes to cool down, breathe, relax, and then come back,” McCaw added.

The Raising Resilient Teens series is designed to help families build strong, emotionally aware foundations. The final event in the series, scheduled for April 30, will focus on suicide prevention and recognizing signs of emotional distress in teens.