Earlier in my trauma career and in our trauma training we identified many of the sources of trauma. Up to that time trauma was understood more as events that caused physical harm. The mental side was assumed but usually not the primary focus. As we began to explore a more comprehensive definition and the causes of trauma, one of the categories that we included was political trauma.
There are a number of circulating definitions of trauma, but a general definition is that trauma is a disturbing experience or series of experiences that cause significant emotional or physical harm in which an individual has difficulty in coping with the impact of those experiences. Trauma’s impact can have a lasting influence on one’s mental health, physical health and well-being, creating anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, anger, PTSD and other like symptoms.
With that characterization in mind, our politics have for some time been a source of trauma for so many. In the last election, no matter what your voting convictions, there was so much fear, divisiveness, anger and anxiety that we must admit – before, during and after the election, the impact was traumatic for many Americans.
As we have recently seen, even in these past two weeks, the political changes have caused increased anxiety and fear all throughout our country. I know many non-profits including Lakeside would have been impacted significantly with threats of funding freezes on which we depend for our financial capacity to pay salaries and bills.
Many of our federal employees are also feeling the potential changes in their job status. I know many individuals who are highly anxious about their future and the future of their families. Schools are significantly concerned about how their funding, teachers and students will be impacted. It appears the changes will continue for all Americans and that many of us are most definitely displaying the symptoms of political trauma all throughout our country.
As we become aware of this reality, we should be considering how we might support one another through our political actions. Our sense of human care should take precedence over any political agenda. As we witness the many ways this type of trauma is impacting our neighbors no matter what their political affiliations may be, we should acknowledge those symptoms as legitimate and provide the emotional and relational support as well as the therapeutic help that will be vital to their well-being. Yes, political trauma is real, and a test for us all is how well we will deal with it together.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
