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The thing about trauma, is that when something happens that reminds you of your trauma (a similar event, or a similar smell, or taste, or some other stimuli). It triggers a trauma response in you. This manifests in different ways for different people.
So, in terms of people in Melbourne freaking out about Sydney's seemingly lacking response to the current outbreak, coupled with the new cases in Victoria - this is going to trigger a trauma response.
The lockdown was traumatising.
How much, depends on the individual.
The lockdown was traumatising.
How much, depends on the individual.
When you have a trauma response, it is physically terrifying. Your adrenaline might surge. You could feel afraid. You could feel angry. You might react by lashing out. You might shut down. You might have anxiety that it is all "going to happen again".
Or that you don't think you could survive another lockdown, because you barely survived the last one.
These are all natural and normal responses, and I know they are hard, and I am so sorry if you're feeling this fear.
These are all natural and normal responses, and I know they are hard, and I am so sorry if you're feeling this fear.
I don't know what is going to happen.
I do hope that you can do your best to be safe. Try to take each moment as it comes, do the best you can do to get by.
Please find helplines below.
Beyond Blue Covid Mental Health call 1800 512 348 (also online chat) https://twitter.com/MJ_Leaver/status/942559004714086400?s=19
I do hope that you can do your best to be safe. Try to take each moment as it comes, do the best you can do to get by.
Please find helplines below.
Beyond Blue Covid Mental Health call 1800 512 348 (also online chat) https://twitter.com/MJ_Leaver/status/942559004714086400?s=19
While avoidance isn't a long term coping strategy that leads to the healthiest of outcomes, it is something that can help you when your distress is high. Distract yourself with TV, or a game, or go and install tiktok and watch (non pandemic) videos.
Definitely take steps to shelter yourself from media & statistic overload (if you need to know information, ask a friend to pass on information relevant to you). Doomscrolling fulfils the need to try and control (by having ALL the information), but it may not help how you feel.
Mindfulness is key. "I notice I am feeling...." and then validation "It is understandable that I am feeling...."
Remind yourself that you do not have to act on your thoughts.
And, my personal mantra, when things are spiralling,
Here is not there, now is not then.
Remind yourself that you do not have to act on your thoughts.
And, my personal mantra, when things are spiralling,
Here is not there, now is not then.
Be safe, pocketfam.
