Injustice Trauma
Some might say we live in traumatic times. We are on the tail end of an Earth-stopping pandemic, political polarization is through the roof, and gun violence in America is becoming more commonplace than anyone would like.
Trauma is, in short, a mental health disorder that occurs after a potentially harmful or shocking event. When memories or feelings of the trauma are triggered, it leaves sufferers dysfunctional and anxious with varying degrees of severity.
People have been reporting increased instances of trauma at psychologist/psychiatrist practices around the world. But what some don’t know is that trauma can come from things they might not directly expect. Like simply hearing about a friend or loved one’s negative experience, or experiencing a perceived injustice.
Many people believe trauma stems from past experiences, for example, something that happened during childhood…and it certainly can. But trauma also can occur in the present. Take for example the recent verdict of the Parkland school shooter - after taking so many young lives, he’s been sentenced to life in prison. Some victims and survivors agree with the verdict, but some do not. The perceived injustice of a situation like this can leave family members and friends indeed traumatized.
People who are traumatized from things like injustice may suffer feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, that matters will never be “made right.” Anger and disruption of normal life may be expected for a while after something like this - but if it turns into long-lasting dysfunction, anxiety, and stress then professional help should be sought.
To manage this sort of trauma response, we gathered a few tips to reduce its detrimental life effects.
First, take care of yourself. Eat healthy, sleep well, and get good exercise. A happy body leads to a happy mind. One has to stay in good physical health to be in the best position for recovery.
Another piece of advice is to take it easy. Don’t force yourself back to normal life all at once. If it feels overwhelming don’t be afraid to stay home for the evening or skip a day of chores. Self-care is paramount in times like these. (Just don’t get carried away and let hygiene or self-discipline completely fall by the wayside.)
Then, there’s the importance of others. Having an empathic group of people around you can help to change your life experience and guide you to better days. With other points of view, we can reframe our current struggles. Support can be the difference between a long arduous recovery and a shorter, easier one.
If the trauma is too much to handle and is causing life-threatening behaviors, acute serious care at a clinic or hospital may be needed. These professionals will help alleviate a trauma crisis and help you on your way to long-lasting recovery.
On our recent podcast, we interviewed Mia Freeman and Josh Medor, who were both students at the school during the shooting. To hear their stories of trauma and resilience, please check out our podcast “The Breakdown with Dr. B” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more - as well as at our website www.bregmanmd.com
Bregman Medical Group has decades of experience treating PTSD and a variety of other mental health issues. We offer convenient online psychiatry and therapy right to your device! Simple schedule online at www.bregmanmd.com or call us at 305-740-3340.
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2020/08/experiencing-childhood-trauma
https://www.samhsa.gov/trauma-violence