Ouch My Trauma Hurts (OMTH)
Avoiding moral injury when traumatic events are being thrown at us- now that’s an accomplishment! Moral injury is when we feel ashamed and helpless, guilty and horrified, at what we witness because it is outside our value system (like feeling helpless at seeing and being unable to stop immigrants treated roughly or children separated from parents). If we choose an action, often with others, it can cut back our overwhelming and traumatic feelings of helplessness that are part of moral injury.
Are we traumatized on purpose to overwhelm us? Let’s recognize our trauma and can we Control Our Trauma To Serve (COTTS) and/or seek help from a trauma-informed therapist?
We need our own castle, somewhere safe. Some do not have homes. For others rent goes up and a house is not affordable. It is not easy living in our times. In other countries where there are wars, or even not, homes and schools are bombed and food is scarce. Same about food in our own country for many! What can we do, ourselves, to help others and feel a sense of hope. We cannot allow our hope to be stolen by HOPE THEFT or we are left with trauma indeed. Giving money, time, help can save us and our friends/families like putting hope in a safe place.
A castle can be inside of us: The book we read for inspiration; a song that brings us hope; a friend who is so loyal; a pet who adores us. Of course there is the possibility of loss, especially in our world today where deportation and harm can go hand in hand. It is harder in our country now to maintain a castle of dreams and hopes inside. Leaders who show caring and courage inspire and model for others. In our own small/big/meaningful ways, we can help and encourage and inspire others.
The Latin word castellum is where ‘castle’ comes from- it means a fortified place like a little fort. In our country today, we all need emotional, as well as physical, protection. It’s so valuable to recognize symptoms of trauma and consider what can we do to help our symptoms, as well as others’. That includes someone who loves you but is becoming irritable and seems so sad. What would happen if you asked them about it, went to counseling together? I am not talking about family violence, for which calling a hotline is important. Hoping for castellum to surround you!
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified professional for specific concerns.