The Aftermath of Trauma and Violence
” While pain does not fly away and the journey towards recovery won’t be easy – there is hope, forward movement, and life after trauma ” ~ Dr Tama Lane
Understandably, talking about trauma is tricky for numerous reasons. Many survivors of trauma will go through the trials and tribulations, the dark and thorny places, and experience cycles of flashbacks, anxiety, panic, rage, depression, hopelessness, shame, emotional and physical withdrawal, a barrage of external and internal triggers, and more.
Exposure to and the experience of trauma has been a part of the human condition since we evolved as a species, but there continues to be a societal paralysis in both the understanding and conversation following human trauma and community violence.The lasso of trauma not only impacts the survivor, but their roles and relationships: spouse/partner, parent-child, sibling, extended family and kinship, and the family as a whole. Often family and friends don’t fully understand “what happens next” or know how to create a conversation with survivors about her/his needs and provide the safe space for their pain and suffering (mental & physical) to be seen. What’s important now is for the family to practice patience, understanding, compassion, and allow ample time and space for healing and grief. As part of the supportive network, family and friends can: