In session, many of
my clients have been sharing the strong feelings these events bring up for
them: fear, anger, outrage, fury, disbelief, helplessness, hopelessness,
confusion, curiosity, empathy and compassion. My job as a trauma therapist is
to help clients regain some sense of safety, experience their feelings in a
safe, nonjudgmental space and heal from their personal and collective traumas.
Plenty of research
shows that people can regain an improved sense of well-being by taking action
to help others who are suffering, including survivors of mass disasters and
traumas researchgate.net,
psychologytoday.com.
Although many of us feel that we have little to nothing to offer, this is never
truly the case.
Although I have
fantasies of making like Pitbull and flying my (imaginary) private plane to Puerto
Rico cnn.com
to help, for me that is not realistic. I can however, send a donation to relief
organizations and offer a spot at no charge for a local individual in need of trauma
therapy.
Consider making a
donation, no matter how small, to a well-regarded relief or political organization
whose mission you embrace. Check them out first: charitywatch or charitynavigator. Send thank you
letters to first responders or call a Dunkin Donuts in Las Vegas and buy coffee
and donuts to be delivered to the ER in one of the hospitals or first responder
organizations. If a story you read about one of the victims and their families
moves you, see if you can locate their address and send a condolence letter. Whether you are religious or not, prayer is very healing. The benefits of prayers are magnified if done in a live, virtual or energetic community.
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| Courtesy of Las Vegas Review Journal |
Small, local acts
of kindness are also healing. Check on a neighbor who lives alone, wave someone
in to long line of traffic, thank a teacher or other “giver” who is in your
life. Tell them how much they mean to you.
Make a call or
send an email to your local legislators to voice your opinion about gun
control, climate control, or insurance coverage. Consider joining a political
organization that stands for the change you want to see in the world. Try hard
to stay involved- change takes time and persistence. For more on how to heal
through action, you may want to check out the post I wrote after the Sandy Hook
tragedy: self-helpsage.blogspot.
In addition to
taking action and helping others, it’s incredibly important to take extra good
care of yourself in challenging times. Don’t forget to be extra kind to
yourself and your family and get adequate sleep; and regular, healthy meals and
exercise. If outdoor exercise is possible for you, do it! It is even better for
mood than an indoor workout.
Check out Sunnyskyz, a "good news" website. Be wary of reading
or watching extensive news coverage.
This makes most of us feel worse, not better. Think about watching a
favorite movie or show, reading an uplifting book, listening to music, or
reaching out by phone to a beloved friend or relative. If overwhelming feelings
persist, try meditating, journaling or writing a list of people or things you are
grateful for. If you start to worry that you are a loved one are really
struggling with mood or behavior, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional
help. We are living in challenging times and positive, human connection is
powerful.
Sending peace and healing,
Laura
