Trauma & Resilience

Collective Trauma and Resilience in an ever-changing World

We’ve been navigating an overwhelming tide of collective trauma that erupted in the whirlwind year of 2020 and has since permeated our daily lives, crossing cultures and borders. From the ceaseless images of social injustice and police brutality to the unyielding shadow of systemic racism, from the crippling pandemic to the daily newsreels of natural disasters powered by climate change—our emotional and mental reservoirs have been drained. Then there’s the everyday personal challenges—grief, isolation, escalating food prices, job uncertainty—that, when combined with global crises, can feel like a ceaseless emotional storm.

Technology has played a dual role in our lives, raising awareness, and fostering global connections, while also serving as a catalyst for stress and misinformation. Communities have fortified themselves with mutual aid initiatives, grassroots efforts, and community-led programs, emphasizing the spirit of ‘it takes a village’ in times of crisis.

Yet here we are, somehow still standing, even if we’re a little wobbly at the knees. In a world that often feels like it’s on fire, we have found ways to support each other. The community grieving, collective activism, and shared joy have showcased the resilience in our shared human experience. Through it all, one thing remains clear: we haven’t gone through it alone. This collective consciousness has given rise to normalizing discussions around topics like mental health and well-being, especially among younger generations who are boldly leading the charge. They’re leveraging social media to smash stigmas and call out systemic issues, redefining bravery for us all. Meanwhile, older generations are learning, adapting, and contributing their wisdom and resources to this era of upheaval.

Our reactions to these stressors have been as varied as our experiences. Whether it’s irritability, depression, emotional withdrawal, or a litany of other responses, it’s clear that the journey to emotional and mental well-being is not a one-size-fits-all path.

Mental Wellness as a Lifeline

In a climate of continuous uncertainty, being proactive about our mental wellness is not just a personal requirement but a collective responsibility. It’s intricately connected to our emotional state and extends its influence to our physical health—indeed, our very immune systems depend on it. Learning effective coping mechanisms for stress management and emotional balance doesn’t merely serve us as individuals. These skills have a ripple effect, extending from our immediate circle to our communities at large, thereby fostering collective resilience. Mental wellness is no longer a solitary pursuit but a communal endeavor that impacts us all, from schools and workplaces to health institutions and policy decisions.

Reflections and Actions

Understanding the complexities of your emotional health during these high-stress times is an invaluable asset. We need to regularly check in with ourselves and be honest about how we’re coping, or not. From there, the focus shifts to resilience—how we adapt, recover, and grow stronger from the adversities we face.

As we journey toward better mental health, let’s consider the intersectionality of our experiences. Recognize how your social identities—race, gender, socioeconomic status, and more—interact with your trauma and resilience. It adds another layer of understanding and advocacy to your mental health journey.

Let’s embrace this newfound collective focus on mental wellness, especially inspired by the vocal advocacy from our younger generations. Their refusal to let important issues fade into the background gives us all a template for courage.

As we commit to this ongoing process, here are some resources that might assist you:

Recommended Resources:

Books:

“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma”
by Bessel van der Kolk

“Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle”
by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

“Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead”
by Brené Brown

Wellness Apps:

Headspace: A meditation app that offers sessions tailored for different stress levels or situations.

Calm: Offers guided meditations, breathing exercises, and sleep stories.

Insight Timer: Features a variety of free guided meditations and courses.

Helplines:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling 24/7.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for substance abuse and mental health services