Feeling Re-Traumatized by World Events
A lot of people are telling me they are feeling re-traumatized by world events but don’t know why or how. I want to help you know what that means.
Putting it as simply as possible, at the time of a traumatic event, the mind makes associations with the feelings, sights, sounds, smells, taste & touch connected with the trauma. Adrenaline rushes through the body & the memory is imprinted into the amygdala, which is part of the limbic system. The amygdala holds the emotional significance of the event, including the intensity and impulse of emotion or sensation. Later, similar sensations may trigger a memory of the event.
There is a lot of looping of information, videos, and collective passion (read: anger and fear). It makes sense to feel upended, and it makes sense the nervous system will follow suit.
But, it’s also important to cope, which entails radical “self-care,” active seeking of grounding, positive activity, and identifying all the best support systems for us as we move forward.
I don’t recommend ignoring world events or turning away, but I do recommend limiting news, information, and videos as needed. The constant replay of news stories can increase stress and anxiety, and make some people relive the event over and over.
Make an extra effort to drink enough water, eat well, move your body, get into nature, and get enough sleep. Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises and mindfulness, can help too.
Don’t ignore your feelings— there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to feel. People react in different ways to trauma, so don’t tell yourself (or anyone else 👀) what you should be thinking, feeling, or doing.
Challenge your sense of helplessness— positive action can help overcome feelings of fear and helplessness. Even small actions can make a big difference.
Ask for help! It’s okay to need support right now. Whether through a therapist, coach, support group, or sober community; it’s more important to get support than to suffer alone.
Be very gentle with yourself if everything going on in the world right now brings up your old traumas and losses or the same feelings and physical experiences of them. You’re not overreacting or being dramatic. Your brain and body remember.
Everyone is feeling something right now. We need more patience, compassion, understanding, and empathy. If not collectively, we need it all individually— it’s okay to seek that out right now.
