Trauma

“It Helped me Forget”

A young mother’s journey through loss—and finding hope

Farren Whitford

Reprinted from "Opioids" issue of Visions Journal, 2018, 13 (3), p. 23

Growing up, I lived with my mom until I was about 12 and then I moved in with my grandma (me and my stepdad just didn’t get along). I lived with Grandma for about a year. She was an awesome lady. Then I got taken away by MCFD [Ministry of Children and Family Development, child protection services].

Recovery

When we talk about mental illnesses and substance use problems, it’s easy to talk in clinical terms: that person has this symptom, or that person uses a certain drug. But recovery is so much bigger than a checklist.

Trauma

Trauma is any event or situation that is frightening or scary. Violence and accidents are two examples of trauma. Trauma can have a huge impact on wellness. People who experience trauma may use substance to help cope with very difficult feelings, and substance use can increase the risk of trauma.

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