Ouch My Trauma Hurts (OMTH)

When traumatic events occur in our country, one after the other, we can select a few things most important to us. We may choose immigration and search for a group working to help in this area. Our contribution may be money and/or what else would they suggest? We can get trauma-informed counseling. And perhaps we can CONTROL OUR TRAUMA TO SERVE (COTTS) our country.

Cinder Cockerspaniel seems able to stretch out and relax under all conditions. It’s hard for sleep and relaxation among the traumatized when concerns swirl in our minds and solutions seem unreachable. Isn’t that the goal of throwing so many traumatic events at us- to paralyze and terrify? If we seek a group, like an Indivisible (https://indivisible.org/) meeting, paralysis/freezing can move over while hope/action slides into its space.

A 3-D pumpkin shows not only the insides, but also the outside shape. That’s what we need to do with trauma- recognize the symptoms that come out of ourselves to affect the ways we look, act, and appear on the outside. To see yourself hiding from the news because it makes you anxious, and not able to help your country, is to recognize the avoidance that comes with trauma. Recognizing is part of recovering.

What diminishes your anxiety, traumatic sadness and hopelessness? Would an existing or new hobby help? What meaning might you add in your life? Is there something you could do that would also COTTS (control our trauma to serve) our country? Is there a favorite institution for volunteering and serving? Feel free to comment. Please give yourself grace- therapy may be needed when trauma symptoms are severe!

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified professional for specific concerns.