In my role as a therapist, I've worked with numerous individuals and families who have faced traumatic events, but how do you deal with an entire nation's trauma? The challenges become even more complex when it's an entire nation grappling with the scars of war. How can we put an end to the relentless cycle of passing on emotional, psychological, and sometimes even physical wounds and distress from one generation to the next? How do we confront and heal generational trauma amid the ongoing turmoil of conflict?
What we've witnessed in recent events will leave a lasting impact, perpetuating an ongoing cycle of pain and suffering transmitted from one generation to the next. As a therapist, I find myself wondering, how are they coping? Who will help navigate their traumas? And as a mother, I'm deeply concerned about the children left without parents and the mothers who have lost their children. How are these families enduring? It's a difficult task to offer advice and clear answers when I too, grapple with the turmoil. The trauma that has poured out from our screens — the videos, the images, the stories, the cries — has left a profound impact on me and those around me.
This isn't just generational trauma; it's a collective trauma carried by countless people worldwide. So, how do we confront it?
Say that you are not ok.
Say how you feel about this situation.
Show support in any way that you can.
Spread factual awareness when you can.
Donate to reliable sources that you know.
Create cultural competence around the subject.
Don't spread hate, the world already has more than enough of it. It'll only add to this never ending vicious cycle, contributing to even more generational trauma.
Advocate for social change to address the broader societal and political factors contributing to generational trauma, with the goal of preventing future generations from experiencing similar trauma.
But first and foremost; process you.
I can sit here and give some mental health jargon about self care and reduce watching the news and other means of bandaging the situation, but I say grieve. As the victims of this endless conflict are grieving, grieve with them.
There is no right or wrong in how you feel. If you don't feel okay, it's perfectly acceptable to sit with your emotions for now. The world is a scary, unsafe, and chaotic place at the moment. This journey towards healing will be a long and challenging one, but we can hope for collective healing and resilience to rise from the devastation. We can pray for those who've lost their lives and those who've lost their loved ones.
We mustn't lose our humanity. We mustn't allow it to slip away. Together, we are stronger than when divided. When we genuinely believe that all the world's children are our children and that we are all citizens of the world, we can truly strive for peace and harmony.
* Please note: If the recent events have exacerbated your mental health symptoms and are significantly impacting your daily life, it is crucial to reach out for professional assistance in your local community.
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