Trauma

 

I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a challenging and unpredictable year. I mean who would have known that there would be an outbreak of a worldwide pandemic, a wave of people all over the world standing up for abuse and injustices and the government shooting at its people because of the latter whilst still experiencing the former. 

I want to shed some light on TRAUMA today to help us put the past year into perspective in our engagement with people going forward. This year has taught me how much we can achieve as a collective and has reinstated the true meaning of the phrase, "we are all in this together" and "one person really can start a movement that can change the world".

Let me first start by defining TRAUMA. Trauma is an umbrella name given to deep and distressing experience(s). This experience is felt in different forms as intense shock, fear, confusion, numbness and sometimes as an overwhelming host of conflicting emotions. 

These emotions are not only limited to those who have experienced tragic events but also those exposed to stories shared by first-hand victims of this experience, especially via social media. I personally, struggle with unpleasant images of one's shattered intestine or brain parts lying helplessly on the floor. If I struggle with this unpleasant images and still quiver at the thought of it, how much more a younger and more emotional person? I can't begin to imagine what they will be feeling or going through mentally. The experience of witnessing victim(s) is also a type of trauma called Secondary Trauma.

Below are some symptoms of traumatic stress and how one can support everyone exposed to the events. Please note that these symptoms can range from mild to severe and often come and go in waves.

Emotional symptoms:

• Shock and disbelief
• Fear
• Anger
• Guilt
• Sadness and grief
• Helplessness
• Shame
• Relief
• Nightmares
• Avoidance
• Flashbacks or uncontrollable thoughts about the tragic event

Physical symptoms:

• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Rapid breathing
• Changes in your sleeping patterns
• Shaking
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Trembling
• Unhealthy appetite (loss or increase)
• Uncontrolled racing thoughts

How to provide support:

• Listen - Maintain a non-judgmental attitude as you listen, and be sure to give them your full attention.
• Remember to remind them that there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to feel.
• Ignoring one's feelings will only slow recovery.
• Put major life decisions on hold.
• Limit media exposure to the traumatic event. If you can't, try to avoid distressing images and video clips. 
• Try to maintain your regular routine and relationships. 
• Invest in self-care.
• Confide in at least one other safe individual. Comfort comes from feeling connected and involved with others you trust.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
• Eat and sleep well  - Food can improve or worsen your mood and affect your ability to cope with traumatic stress.  Lack of sleep places additional stress on one's mind and body. 
• Try to avoid negative people or anyone who criticizes or makes you feel judged.
• Provide help to others, try to maintain a hopeful outlook and remember that You Are Not Alone. 
• Please seek professional help if and when required.

Writer: KitapKurdu

Editor(s): KitapKurdu & Awe Olufunso

Publisher: Awe Olufunso