After watching parts of the impeachment trial the last few days, I am reflecting on collective trauma. The graphic video footage of the attack on the capitol and the open acknowledgement of emotion--fear, even terror--from Senators and Congressional Representatives, paint a vivid reality of danger and the emotional trauma that follows. Reactions to traumatic events include fear, grief and depression as well as physical symptoms such as dizziness, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and withdrawal from daily activities. These often continue for weeks following trauma before emotions return to normal. We use the term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about what happened continue to be triggered, after experiencing or witnessing trauma. These reactions do not just occur to those who were actually in a life threatening situation. We, as spectators can also be traumatized by the images we see, and the news we hear.
Continued exposure to stories of tragedy and violence, as well as direct exposure to the trauma of others, can overwhelm the nervous system. We have seen this emerging from the medical and staff workers in hospitals during 2020. A remarkable research project in Britain 5 years ago documented that such stress responses are not just caused by direct traumatic experience, but also happen through social media. Written and visual images of violence and trauma produce anxiety and repetitive replay of the material, that trigger stress responses and cause secondary trauma. These symptoms of interrupted sleep, hopelessness, feeling ineffective, eventually lead to compassion fatigue-- caring people can no longer care--until time, rest, self care and support reset our nervous systems.
All of this is an aspect of Pandemic fatigue, and it continues underneath, compounded by the violence and political conflict. Yet, moving through the structure of law and procedure as the trial is aired and viewed by the American public, also has a healing element. It reaffirms a social order to life that includes public observation as a form of participation. The phenomenally courageous officials who openly shared their emotional reactions, serve as role models for us all in the collective process of healing, not just in terms of the capitol attack, but the Pandemic as well. As individuals, one of the ways we re-set and are able, over time to integrate events, is through the spiritual process of meditation and prayer. This integration is re-enforced as we are able to actively share our traumatic experiences with others who are understanding and caring. Collectively, we heal by public events and programs that acknowledge the emotional impact of pain, fear, anger and grief, while reinforcing the qualities of resilience. While the impeachment trial can be seen on different levels with differing agendas, it is also an active acknowledgement of collective trauma. If it has further overwhelmed you, step back from the news. If you have a sense that you can begin to integrate these events now, because of the facts and honest expression of fear and pain, whatever the final verdict, focus on our collective resiliency. (Susan Nettleton)