Let’s take a moment to reflect on our current circumstances.
We are in the midst of a global pandemic that, until recently, seemed like a distant scenario reserved for movies and history lessons. Now, we find ourselves checking the news daily, witnessing the rise in confirmed cases and fatalities. More of us are encountering family members, friends, or acquaintances who have become ill or lost their lives. Even if we haven't been directly affected, we may have elderly or immunocompromised loved ones, or perhaps we belong to those groups ourselves, making us anxious about potential exposure to this virus.
Simultaneously, we are confined to our homes, cut off from our usual social interactions. Some individuals face loneliness, while others are stuck in unhealthy or unsafe living situations. Even those who cherish extra family time may feel the strain of constant togetherness. People are juggling work, home-schooling, and trying to maintain a sense of stability amid the chaos.
Some of us are required to work in essential jobs that expose us to risk. Others have unexpectedly lost their jobs, while some watch their businesses crumble before their eyes. Many are left wondering how to provide for their families, grappling with the loss of future plans, aspirations, and dreams in an instant. We are all aware that the economic consequences will be significant, but the extent and individual implications remain uncertain.
Our lives have been disrupted dramatically and swiftly, leaving us to adapt on the fly. Although most of us are surviving, we cannot overlook the fact that our familiar way of life has been profoundly altered. Uncertainty looms over when, how, or if things will ever revert to “normal.”
Moreover, the human toll of the virus is staggering. We hear heartbreaking accounts from frontline medical workers who lack adequate supplies and are forced to manage overwhelming death tolls. Patients die alone, their belongings left in hospital storage, waiting for the day their families can reclaim them. Families cannot gather for funerals, missing the comfort that comes from supporting one another during times of grief.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. It's only been a month, and we haven't reached the peak yet. Health experts warn of potential resurgences in the coming months, leaving us uncertain about what the next year may bring.
This is a significant challenge.
Trauma is defined as the emotional response to distressing events. It’s entirely reasonable that a global pandemic coupled with widespread economic distress would elicit a strong emotional reaction in many of us. Yet, we might not recognize this experience as “trauma” because it’s not tied to a singular event. It feels more like a slow-moving emergency, one we had to brace for before witnessing it firsthand. We now find ourselves in a surreal limbo where nothing feels normal, surrounded by pervasive anxiety and uncertainty, all while wearing a thin façade of calm.
This veneer can be misleading. On the surface, it may seem that we’re simply asked to stay home and watch television—what's so traumatic about that? However, simplifying our situation in this way overlooks the reality of our actions: we’re striving to prevent widespread death and suffering. That is a weighty truth. We have had to radically alter our lives to safeguard others' lives.
Despite our best efforts, we continue to see case numbers rise and hear devastating stories. Even if we are not directly impacted, we remain enveloped in this experience, absorbing trauma vicariously. If we possess any empathy, we will have an emotional response—one that may be difficult to recognize since this situation is unlike anything we’ve encountered before.
Licensed professional counselor Jennifer Yaeger shared valuable insights regarding our current state and the need to acknowledge its emotional and psychological impact. She stated on Facebook:
“I want to acknowledge that living through this pandemic is a trauma.
As a trauma specialist, I think there are a few important points to consider:
- Certain parts of our brain have shut down to help us cope.
- Consequently, we may struggle to fully process the events happening around us.
- Feeling numb or disconnected from our emotions is a normal reaction, especially for those who have experienced trauma before.
- Some individuals may feel hypervigilant or anxious, while others may become withdrawn or depressed. These reactions simply reflect individual differences in coping with extreme stress.
- In-depth processing of trauma often occurs years later when we feel safe enough to confront it.
- During times of trauma, simply getting through the day emotionally and functionally is acceptable. Lowering expectations and practicing kindness toward ourselves and others is essential.”
So, refrain from judging your own feelings—or those of others—during this time. If you feel overwhelmed, stuck, numb, or even guilty for not feeling these things while experiencing moments of joy or gratitude, allow yourself to be. Many of us are navigating a whirlwind of emotions throughout the day, so prioritize your mental and emotional well-being.
Be gentle and patient with yourself, and extend that same kindness to others. This situation is challenging, but we will persevere. Our emotions connect us as human beings, so take comfort in knowing that none of us are alone in how we feel.