Trauma

Disclaimer: The Torchbearers Foundation is not formally associated with any of the resources listed below. We have compiled a list of resources that we believe are credible in an attempt to create a trauma informed world.

Working with trauma can be a painful and difficult task. This is our attempt to compile a list of resources that may be useful for working on yourself as you learn more about your mind and body. It is always advisable to engage in trauma work with a trained professional, who can hold space for you and guide you through the process.

The resources mentioned here are not a substitute for professional mental health care. Please reach out to a trauma informed mental health professional if you are able and willing to.

We at the Torchbearers Foundation hope that the following are useful:

• Polyvagal exercises to reset the vagus nerve and relieve trauma stored in the body https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFV0FfMc_uo&ab_channel=SukieBaxter-WholeBodyRevolution

• Vagus nerve exercises to rewire your brain from anxiously aroused states. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1HCG3BGK8I&ab_channel=SukieBaxter-WholeBodyRevolution

• Diaphragmatic Breathing helps relax your nervous system while feeling more present in your body. It can be very helpful in managing states of arousal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2wo2Impnfg&ab_channel=UCLAHealth

• The container exercise is an exercise which may help you regulate your feelings and better manage yourself if you are overwhelmed. Check out the guided video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfgoKNejOBs&t=81s&ab_channel=HarmonyWithin

• The Trauma Research Foundation was co-founded by Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk, one of the pioneers in the field of trauma research. Please check out the following link for some wonderful resources they have made available on their website: https://traumaresearchfoundation.org/resources/trf-tuesday/

• Complex Trauma Resources: for people who don't fit in neat little boxes & everyone who cares about them https://www.complextrauma.org/

• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network https://www.nctsn.org/

P.S. We are aware that the resources mentioned here are international organizations.

This is because there is a significant gap in trauma informed healthcare in India. In case you are aware of any local resources that we may add to our list, please feel free to share them with us and we will try our best to update the resource page at the earliest.

Thank you