SAPR office hosts trauma, grief and resiliency training

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Randahl J. Jenson
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Bomb Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office hosted a trauma, grief and resiliency training session inside the base theater, Sept. 21.

Taught by Tami Haug-Davis, a certified clinical trauma professional from the South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault, the training educated both military and civilian members about the effects trauma and grief have on overall health.

"Usually we cater trainings to our victim advocates," said Krista Sheridan, a sexual assault prevention and response victim advocate assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing. "But because most of us have personal experiences and a connection to the topic, we decided to open the training up to all members of Ellsworth.”

In addition, real-life examples of resiliency tools were provided to help relax and eliminate stressors.

“When someone cuts you off in traffic what do you do?” Asked Haug-Davis, a trauma professional with over 25 years of experience. “We take deep breaths and try to relax. We use these stress relief tools all the time.”

Haug-Davis added that relaxation is key when dealing with stress. She noted it’s when people are dysregulated, or not regulating emotional responses well, that they experience the symptoms of traumatic stress.

“You cannot experience symptoms of traumatic stress in a relaxed body,” Haug-Davis said.

The training emphasized that giving people time to heal is the best thing one can do, when helping those who are grieving.

“It’s so important that you allow five years, 10 years or however long they may need to cope with grief,” Haug-Davis said. “Putting a time limit on the healing process is never good.”

The SAPR staff provide trainings like these throughout the year and are open to all members of the Ellsworth community.

“Take advantage of these opportunities,” said Bernie McFarling, the sexual assault response coordinator assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing. “Learn about additional tools to add to your toolbox to enhance resilience and learn how to deal with grief and loss.”