Over the past week I have seen many comments and posts saying “this is it; if one more thing happens, I am going to lose it” or “a volcano in a pandemic; what next? What am I supposed to handle next? I am barely surviving as is”.
Many persons are expressing their fear and frustration with current events and the struggles they are having trying to manage it all.
On the flip side are those persons who say that we should not complain because it could be worse; those in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) have it worse than us and our experience is nothing compared to theirs.
While both perspectives may be true; it is important to acknowledge that we are all impacted and in multiple ways.
Resources and coping strategies differ from person to person/ home to home and therefore the negative impact and the perception of our ability to cope will also vary.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event. Our immediate reactions may be of shock and denial, while some long-term reactions may include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. (APA 2021) Trauma can be physical (e.g., being in an accident) or it can be emotional ( e.g., being threatened). It can be a one-time event, or it can be chronic and ongoing.
Covid-19 can be considered a “chronic” situation since it has continued over such a long time. The entire world has been traumatized on some level; whether directly (the event is happening to you e.g, you tested positive and became ill ) or vicariously ( you are looking on at the event e.g. others becoming ill or helping them work through their challenges).
No one has been spared.
The eruption of La Soufriere on April 9, and subsequent eruptions, was another traumatic event. It has created the same emotional responses as Covid or any other trauma.
We experienced shock, denial, fear, excitement, confusion, wonder, trepidation, and a whole host of other emotions as the events unfolded. This in the midst of an ongoing pandemic seemed like the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back”.
Yes, it is a lot! It is OK to acknowledge that.
Acknowledgment does not minimize our concern for our Caribbean neighbors in SVG, neither does it make us ungrateful for the resources we still have at our disposal which they may not. Rather, what it does is create the space for us to express our feelings and start the work of processing them. Only when this is done, can we effectively manage our emotions and go about dealing with the fallout from the eruptions while still working to stay safe and healthy from Covid.
How to Process
Give yourself permission to feel as you do- Many persons are feeling guilty because they are not expressing thanks and gratitude for what they have and seeking to assist in the relief efforts. Being upset, confused and frustrated, or even angry, does not negate concern for others or suggest that you are not grateful. It only makes you honest with yourself and others. All emotions are valid when working through consistent traumatic events. Each of us is different and has had unique experiences. Hence, we will approach and interpret the same situation differently. Accepting this will go a long way in helping you to cope and thrive through the clean-up process and move on.
Help/ Participate when and how you can—Take control of your decision-making and be careful of being forced or coerced into helping or participating at times or in ways that you do not desire.
One thing Covid has done is take control away from us.
We are constantly reminded to control those aspects of our lives which we can. This situation is no different. Overextending self physically or emotionally may have an initial positive effect/ outcome, but it may also have negative repercussions for our overall ability to cope and continue to work with and through the present circumstances.
Give yourself a pass/ break—Covid, volcanoes erupting, ashfall like snow, cleaning ash from everywhere . . . is not business as usual. As much as we may want to keep up with our previous routines and have the house etc. in pristine condition, sometimes we need to be gentle with ourselves.
It is ok to leave a chore for another day or to not have everything in its specific place. If you are not feeling up to an activity or need to rest more today than yesterday, it is OK.
Focus on self-care—Yes, every article you have read for the past year and a half has mentioned or emphasised self-care. Why? It is that important!
We generally rush into protection mode, or clean up or restoration mode when dealing with traumatic events and the first thing that is neglected is our self-care. Yet, it is in many ways the most important aspect of our ability to process and thrive through situations.
Whether addressing mental health challenges or rushing to pick up the pieces after a natural disaster or working to manage our emotions surrounding Covid; self-care and being intentional about it is key.
We acknowledge that a self-care routine may look different based on resources, time, etc. but it is the one activity that should be prioritized and made constant.
Take the time to relax, enjoy a good book, exercise, listen to music, eat healthy meals, dance, sing, spend time with family and participate in activities you enjoy. These activities will help to keep you grounded, focused, and effectively managing the stress brought on by these events.
Which in turn will positively impact your mental and emotional health and place you in a better position to help others if so desired or the need arises.
Check-in with yourself —Keep check of your emotions and level of functioning as you go from day today. Realistically, although some of us do all that is suggested to process and work through we may still be feeling and functioning below par. If this relates to you, take the opportunity to reach out for help. Talk to a family member or a friend, your spiritual leader, your medical doctor, and/ or a mental health professional.
We are living in unprecedented times and the consistent trauma takes its toll on us all in varying ways. If this last week served as your breaking point or you feel yourself nearing it; reach out for help today.
The eruption of La Soufriere on April 9, and subsequent eruptions, was another traumatic event. It has created the same emotional responses as Covid or any other trauma.
Ms. Walters and the team at L.I.S.S may be reached at 246-850-3944/ 246-268-1221 for further information on this and other mental health concerns.
