UC Davis Medical Center (276)

Trauma Survivor’s Network

A program for trauma survivors and their families

As a level 1 trauma center, UC Davis Medical Center staff deliver the highest level of comprehensive trauma care and services that optimize recovery.

We understand that a sudden injury, hospital stay, and lengthy recovery can be filled with uncertainty, anxiety and frustration for our trauma patients.

The Trauma Survivors Network (TSN) at the UC Davis Medical Center is designed to support our trauma patients during their recovery.

Recovering from Injury

Experiencing a major injury can cause a range of strong emotions, thoughts, and physical symptoms. Known as Post Traumatic Stress, these are normal responses to severe trauma. For example, it is common for people to feel or experience the following right after being injured:

Common Experiences after Injury

Sadness
Nightmares
Flashbacks
Hopelessness
Anxiousness
Sleep problems
Anger
Irritability
Grief

For some people, distress resolves over time. For others, it may hold steady or even increase over time.

In about one out of four people, the distress is so severe that it is called post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Only a mental health professional can diagnose PTSD, but if a friend or family member notices any of the symptoms, it may be a sign that help is needed.

As someone who has survived a traumatic event, you may experience some of these symptoms. It can help to seek support like participating in a peer support group, connecting with a mental health professional, or just talking to someone you trust about what you are experiencing.

The TSN Community

The Trauma Survivors Network (TSN) is a community of patients and families, like you, who are looking to connect with one another and rebuild their lives after a traumatic injury.

Joining this community can help ease the anxiety and frustration often experienced following a traumatic injury, hospitalization, and recovery process. Some of the benefits of taking part in TSN include:

TSN Support

Connecting with others in similar situations
Sharing your experiences and learning from other survivors
Learning about injuries and recovery from trauma experts
Discovering how to meet the challenges of everyday life after injury
Giving hope and inspiration to others

TSN Virtual Peer Support Group

Traumatic injuries affect both physical and psychosocial well-being. The Trauma Survivor’s Network Peer Support Groups connect trauma survivors, providing a space to share experiences, offer mutual support, and enhance coping skills.

More Info

Next Steps

The NextSteps program is based on the principles of self-management. YOU play the most important role in your recovery. NextSteps teaches you how to become more active and take control of your recovery. It uses techniques to increase one’s self confidence and sense of empowerment.

More Info