National Trauma Survivors Day

A diverse group of individuals supporting each other, wearing inspirational t-shirts, surrounded by nature and cityscape backgrounds.. — National trauma survivors day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, where we uncover the fascinating history behind all those national days you never knew existed! Today, we're diving into the significance of National Trauma Survivors Day. Now, buckle up and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions!

When is Trauma Survivors Day?

It's national trauma survivors day on the 20th May.

The Origins of National Trauma Survivors Day

If you've survived some harrowing ordeals, today is the day to celebrate your resilience and strength. National Trauma Survivors Day aims to recognize survivors of trauma and honor their journey towards healing. Whether you've triumphed over physical injury, endured emotional trauma, or battled through a challenging experience, this day is all about acknowledging your perseverance.

The idea for National Trauma Survivors Day was born out of a desire to increase awareness and support for trauma survivors. The commemorative day was first established in 2013 by numerous trauma support organizations and individuals across the United States, and it's been gaining recognition ever since.

How to Celebrate National Trauma Survivors Day

Surviving trauma is no small feat, so take some time to celebrate your incredible strength on this special day. Here are a few suggestions to honor and support trauma survivors:

Reach out to loved ones who have overcome trauma and let them know how proud you are of their resilience.
Host a gathering or a virtual event to raise awareness about trauma survivors' experiences and the challenges they face.
Donate to organizations that provide support, therapies, and resources to trauma survivors.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the longest recorded coma lasted a staggering 37 years and 111 days? Talk about hanging in there! Even though National Trauma Survivors Day focuses on celebrating those who have emerged victorious from trauma, it's important to remember that everyone's journey is unique.

History behind the term 'Trauma Survivors'

1860

Emergence of the term 'trauma'

The term 'trauma' originates from the Greek word 'trauma', meaning 'wound'. It was first used in a medical context by French psychiatrist Pierre Janet in 1860 to describe the psychological and physical impact of severe injuries. Initially, the term primarily referred to physical wounds rather than psychological distress.

1918

Recognition of psychological trauma

During World War I, medical professionals recognized that soldiers were experiencing psychological distress as a result of their war experiences. This led to a shift in the understanding of trauma, expanding its definition to encompass the psychological consequences of traumatic events. The term 'shell shock' was commonly used to describe the symptoms exhibited by traumatized soldiers.

1980

Introduction of the diagnosis 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'

In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) included the diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III). This marked a significant breakthrough in recognizing trauma as a distinct mental health condition. The inclusion of PTSD helped validate the experiences of trauma survivors and led to increased research and understanding of trauma-related symptoms.

1992

Focus on individuals as 'trauma survivors'

In the early 1990s, there was a growing emphasis on acknowledging individuals who had experienced trauma as 'survivors'. This shift in language aimed to empower those affected by trauma and highlight their strength and resilience in overcoming adversity. The term 'trauma survivors' began to be widely used to describe individuals who had experienced various types of traumatic events and were navigating their path to recovery.