Trauma Healing in the Time of Corona
Something we’re not hearing a lot about during the coronavirus crisis is how it’s affecting people with past traumatic experiences. If you have noticed that the current situation is triggering past traumas know that you are not overreacting to the current situation nor your past traumas; you are not seeking attention to take away from other’s anxieties, fears, and experiences; you are not weak for being retriggered; and, as a therapist who has trauma in her past, I want you to know that you are not alone.
The mental, emotional, and physical pain associated with past trauma can remain in the body long after the traumatic event. Your body has the remarkable capability of unconsciously assessing for danger in order to keep you safe and alive. The upside to this is it allows you to avoid dangerous situations and continue living your life. The downside is that when you become overly stressed or anxious your body may start to recreate the same physical sensations associated with your earlier trauma.
Since the body doesn’t have words to express itself, it uses physical sensations. At first, you might not even be consciously aware of what’s happening. All you know is that you feel a little “off.” Eventually, it may feel like you’re reliving your past trauma all over again. Suddenly, you find yourself using all your energy to block unpleasant and traumatic memories only to find the anxiety and fear that you were trying to escape getting stronger. Finally, your trauma triggers may lead you to disassociate from your body as a way to avoid the unpleasant memories, thoughts, and physical sensations they bring with them. When you disassociate from your body, you stop listening to what it’s telling you it needs. Disassociation also cuts you off from feeling more pleasant emotions such as joy and gratitude.
How can you reduce the intensity of your trauma triggers and reclaim your connection to your body? Begin by limiting the amount of time you’re giving to the current situation. Talk about what your experiencing with someone you trust. Give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling without attaching judgment to your emotions. Involve your body in the healing process. Yoga provides an opportunity to move the body at a slow and gentle pace while mindful meditation allows for scanning of the body and time to notice bodily sensations in a safe, non-judgmental space. Grounding techniques help bring you back to the here and now. The coronavirus situation is going to be with us for the foreseeable future with no quick fixes in sight. Give yourself time to develop tools to combat trauma triggers and to create a safe space for healing.