Trauma: Laurel mom shares her healing journey following the death of her son
LAUREL, Del. – We’ve been following the case of the death of Kylee Robinson, though no killer has come to justice, his mom, Danielle Stevens is sharing the experience of trauma.
“So with the healing process, I guess with me, it’s probably a little more anger than it is anything just because they haven’t arrested anyone,” said Danielle Stevens.
It’s been 127 days since Danielle Stevens’ son Kylee Robinson lost his life due to gun violence in Laurel.
“I feel like maybe, I could have did more and he would still be here. So then I’m angry at myself and then I’m angry at everyone around me because I’m mad because people want me to get help or they want me to do things that that’s more on another side of it and try to help myself with that pain. But that’s not it’s just not that simple,” said Stevens.
That pain is something that Dr. Cha-Tanya Lankford with Trauma Matters Delaware helps people navigate every day.
“Trauma simply put, is any disturbing or distressing incident that occurs, no one is immune to trauma. It’s universal. We all experience or are faced with trauma in our lives. The brain science shows that trauma impacts our brain science and the structures of our brain. So if we are not doing things intentionally to address trauma that occurs to mitigate it from when it does occur or to be preventative, we can set ourselves up to truly change the trajectory of our lives,” said Dr. Cha-Tanya Lankford, the Board Vice President of Trauma Matters Delaware.
Dr. Lankford says 7 out of 10 people are impacted by trauma daily. And even with help, Stevens says she will never be the same person.
“I’m still a parent, but I’m a different parent. So it’s like I’m Danielle, but I’m a different Danielle, because just a few months ago I had four kids, now I have three. People think that I just “Oh, she just goes to work, and she does her every day.” I have anxiety. I used to watch TV shows, crime shows on TV. I can’t watch them no more” said Stevens.
Dr. Lankford says finding a safe space where one can be vulnerable and process their trauma is crucial in the healing journey.
“Whether that be an individual or a group, an organization, try to at best get back to those routines of life. And it’s hard. It’s difficult,” said Dr. Lankford.
Stevens’ life will never be the same, but finding a support group was a step she’s proud to have taken.
“It’s we have like a group chat in the morning. I didn’t think that I needed it, but it’s easier to talk among people that already know what I feel because having your child shot and killed is a totally different loss” said Stevens.
If you’re experiencing trauma, you can visit Trauma Matters Delaware for more resources about how to better navigate those feelings.
Delaware Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. The number to call to submit tips is 1-800-847-3333.
