Vicarious Trauma in the Pandemic
• “Set limits on the consumption of news media, videos, etc. Consider taking a Sabbath from all kinds of media, for a day or even longer.
• If you have trouble setting limits, put notes on the devices you use reminding yourself to ask “Is what I’m doing now nourishing for my soul?”
• Practice noticing patterns in your thoughts and feelings around consuming traumatic news, and take a break when needed.
• Make a list of things that bring you hope, peace, and joy, and practice them.
• If you feel called to do something, then do something! Consider even the smallest gestures that could turn hopelessness and anxiety into action.
• Make time for silent prayer, and practice letting God take on the cares of the world while you rest in God’s presence.
Remember, your greatest contribution to God’s Kingdom is to cultivate the Kingdom within. Stay informed in moderation, be kind to yourself, and be the Peace and Joy of Christ the world so needs.”—Brother Nicholas Bartoli in SSJE.org June 26, 2020.
Brother Bartoli offers us a care package for survival during these times.
It is almost impossible not to be affected by the traumatic events that surround us. We witness friends and family sick with the virus for which there is no treatment. Many are dying. Our country abruptly realizes racial inequality that has been present since the birth of this nation. The western states of our country are on fire. There are hurricanes and flooding in the south and east. A beloved supreme court justice has died. Our country is polarized. We have lost the feeling of national unity and caring for each other.
Brother Bartoli describes vicarious trauma, which develops from witnessing a traumatic event after the event is described by the media. Symptoms of this psychological phenomenon are feelings of hopelessness, fear, and anxiety. For our own wellbeing, the brother suggests ways to break this cycle of 24 hour “breaking news” which indeed is breaking us. We want to respond and be informed, but we also need to take a sabbatical, so we can recharge, reconnect, and let God take over worrying about the world for even a few hours.
Only when we take time to connect to the God, the Christ within us will we be able to respond to the traumas in our world with healing love and have energy to reach out to so many in need. Love that cares for our brothers and sisters in pain that grows out of our connection to the God of our being is the only response and action that can change us and the world, one person at a time.
Joanna. joannaseibert.com