Trauma Care

Published by Kathleen von Kampen 3 years ago on Tue, Jun 9, 2020 4:31 PM
“Genuine and even uncomfortable conversations need to occur, resulting in activities to recognize and respond to racism. We must strive to continue fostering and developing a caring environment where these conversations can take place, where we can learn from each other and then make a commitment that we will work tirelessly for those in our community whose voices are not being heard and support them in a way that encourages change.” –Rev. Russ Sommerfeld, Interim President of Concordia University Nebraska

The CUNE counseling office seeks to support the Concordia campus in the genuine, even uncomfortable, work to ensure our students are heard and supported; you can read the rest of President Sommerfeld’s words by clicking here.  It is valuable to shine a light on trauma, both present-day and historic, that influences mental health, and develop ways in which you can care for yourself during these challenging, often overwhelming, days of unrest.

Trauma can be defined as when one experiences, witnesses, or is confronted with an event or events that involve actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or others and evokes intense fear, helplessness, or horror (Boom, 2011).  Some trauma is endured over a period of time, inducing fear and a sense of helplessness.  Yet many other examples of trauma are radical life events that change the course of one’s history for years.  In today’s current climate, you may be experiencing individual, collective, and generational trauma.  Regular reminders on social media or the news may trigger memories or generational stories that evoke feelings of fear and threats to self. 

There is no wrong way to feel in response to trauma.  It may vary day to day, hour to hour.  Pause and ask yourself, how am I doing?  How am I feeling?  What do I need other people to know about how I am?  Some common responses to trauma include:  denial, agitation, anger, confusion, difficulty listening, frequent crying, headaches, grief, changes in sleep, and many more.  While there are difficulties and symptoms to manage when trauma rages war within your brain and body, there are also ways to care for yourself and those around you.  Being attuned to what you need, and what your friends or family may need during this time, can bring strength and community to our efforts to care for one another well.

Here are some ideas to begin healing and caring for yourself or a loved one (provided by Georgia State University, “Creating Space for Care During Troubled Times”, 2020):

  • Moving the body can help navigate heavy feelings; try stretching, walking, or dancing
  • Eat:  ask yourself, what would feel good to my body to eat?
  • Take slow, deep breaths
  • Give yourself a hand or foot massage
  • Let someone else care for you; ask for a backrub or a hug
  • Connect and talk with loved ones
  • Take breaks from social media

You are valuable.  You are worthy.  It is important to acknowledge the trauma experience and begin to care for yourself and for one another. 

To continue the conversation with a free, safe, confidential counselor, for any reason you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

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