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Thread: I'm asked why I acknowledged disabled people & trauma survivors rather than providing a fluffy dog timeline cleanse. Often times these people feel unheard, unseen, or misunderstood. Their concerns & pain are not validated. Insecurity evokes anxiety and all of the what-ifs
Disabled people often times can not just evacuate or shelter in place. They might rely on assistants or medical aid. Moving from one location to another is not always easy and may require a great deal of pre-planning. Having a place to go that is accommodating can be difficult.
People from trauma backgrounds often have had to leave homes, items, or people behind to get to a safe place to live. To be uprooted again in uncertain times, especially surrounded by the possibility of public aggression is overwhelming and triggering.
People living with anxiety/depression or conditions that these symptoms are a part of, feel their life is suddenly out of control. Something horrible is happening which will ultimately cause them to experience something horrible. These feelings are all encompassing and very real.
To acknowledge their fear or help them work out transportation, find a place to go, or even just hear them out is invaluable. Even if this is happening across the country, these thoughts and this type of planning needs to be validated. This is how these people have survived.
Having a timeline cleanse is also important once an emergency has passed, or to disconnect from the unrest, news. There's a balance between mental/physical health. First acknowledge what they are feeling is real, help them think through a situation, which allows them to feel safe
Many times in my past I felt all of these. Being told everything was going to be ok, “not to worry,” only made me feel like no one understood. I make sure anyone I talk to knows I understand. Knowing they are not alone often times is enough, it provides hope in uncertain times.
