March marked two years since we experienced the first lockdown imposed due to the forces of the Covid pandemic.

I thought I’d touch briefly on how any major event throughout the world can effect us all as individuals, and the human race as a whole.

Were you aware that when you read about or hear about news reports of major tragedies, they may be impacting your own life beyond what you may realise?

The devastating natural phenomena such as hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, plus threatening military actions, the too-numerous terror attacks occurring in the world – any of these, no matter how far removed from where you live, are events that can affect each of us in negative ways.

We all want to feel safe in our daily lives, but when we see and hear exhaustive news reports of tragic events on a regular basis, it can bring on very real, physical and emotional reactions. It’s called vicarious trauma. Such reactions are common and normal in the face of events too large and horrific for normal comprehension. They can make you wonder just how safe you are as you realise that whatever just happened, or something similar, could just as easily happen to you.

Real physical reactions can include chills, nausea, dizziness and headaches. You may find yourself more irritable, prone to anger or having sudden emotional outbursts. Some people experience confusion or nightmares, or may simply find it difficult to relax.

The problems that can arise are not in the emotions we feel, but in how we respond to them. When you deny such feelings, or try to hide from them by working longer hours, or by turning to alcohol or drugs, you aren’t validating and accepting your very real, very normal, feelings.

A good way to respond to such feelings is to go back to basics. Stick to a schedule. Be well rested. Eat healthy meals. Alternate exercise and relaxation.

If feeling overly anxious, try pampering yourself a little. Take a hot bath, listen to your favourite music, read a good novel, maybe even allow yourself to cry. It’s also important to spend time with others and to talk about what you’re feeling. In times of tragedy, you’ll find others are experiencing similar feelings and reactions and are often eager to discuss them.

Whilst talking about the pandemic situation, I’ve heard people say that we’re all in the same boat. However, in reality we all have different boats navigating the same storm – from single person kayaks , through to ocean going super yachts, everyone has a different experience: in fact some may feel they have no boat at all and feel as if they’re drowning…

We all rely on different defence mechanisms and use different survival patterns and have different support networks to cope with traumatic events, but whatever your situation, Counselling can help you work through the effect this is having.

If you are impacted by any of these issues, be encouraged to take the first step, be brave to ask for help, give me a call or send me an email. Together, we can discover if psychotherapy is for you.
You are not alone.

(Feature/Counselling Corner)