Toni Bankston explains the impact of trauma

In the picture above, Toni Bankston is standing in front of the “Purusa Peacock” mural, located at 2931 Government St. It was completed in 2016 by Baton Rouge-based artist Skinny Dope.

So far this season we’ve had some incredibly rich discussions about pay equality, legislative failures, discriminatory practices, and the lack of empathy allowing all of these things to happen. 

In this episode we’re going to talk about what all of the trauma caused by those symptoms of poverty is doing to our mind and our bodies. Sometimes it’s really obvious, other times it’s subtle. What we know is that no one is immune, especially children. 

The stress being put on the kids in our community is something Toni Bankston has witnessed for decades through her work in the nonprofit sector. She is the founder of MindBody Baton Rouge and the former executive director of the Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center. 

During her three-decade career as a child and family therapist, she has focused on trauma, particularly with those who are considered part of the disadvantaged population. 

CLICK HERE to learn more about the services offered by MindBody Baton Rouge.

CALL TO ACTION

So far this season we’ve talked about doing things to help bring awareness to a movement. But this week, the goal is to go inward and take time to get to know your mind and body. 

1. Self-care is important to do throughout the day. No, not getting your nails done or drinking a glass of wine. In this case, self-care means taking time to stop, examine what’s happening, remove yourself from stimulation and take deep cleansing breaths. It may sound simple, but you’d be amazed at how hard this will be in the beginning and how much will change if you keep it up. 

2. When you start paying attention, you’re going to start noticing more emotions. The next step is how to acknowledge what you’re feeling and release those toxic feelings in a healthy way. Journaling and sketching are great ways of achieving this. 

3. Movement is going to be your best friend. Get up and get active as a way of getting the stress and trauma that is being held in your body moving outward. This is particularly effective when it comes to children. Go on walks with your kids and engage in active conversations about feelings and emotions while you’re doing it. 

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