[Community violence can be defined as exposure to intentional acts of interpersonal violence committed in public areas by individuals who are not intimately related to the victim. Common types of community violence that affect youth include individual and group conflicts (e.g., bullying, fights among gangs and other groups, shootings in public areas such as schools and communities, civil wars in foreign countries or “war-like” conditions in U.S. cities, spontaneous or terrorist attacks, etc.). Although there are warnings for some types of traumas, community violence can happen with a sudden and terrifying shock. Consequently, youth and families that suffer from community violence often experience increased fears and feelings that the world is unsafe and harm could come at any time. In addition, although some types of trauma are accidental, community violence is an intentional attempt to hurt one or more people, including homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, and weapons attacks (bats, knives, guns, etc.).]- National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Adding to these incidents is the media’s sensationalizing of the events. We are not only traumatized once by learning that something has happened, but over and over again on a loop (news at 3, news at 6. then 7, then 10, and so on). If you think the recent events in the U.S. have not affected you, you are most likely mistaken. For example, do you feel overwhelmed by the events and shy away from talking about them? Or, are you more apprehensive to go to public places or to even leave the house? Are you increasingly suspicious of others and maybe even “jumpy”? Do you feel sad or overwhelmed to the point that you want to withdraw or isolate?
You are not alone.
If any of what has been said here resonates with you please consider talking to a therapist. If that step is too hard at this time please try to limit your exposure to mainstream media, only focus on “fact-reporting” media outlets, and seek out human interest stories that contradict or positively address the sadness in our communities at this time. There is fear in the world. Yes. But more over there is LOVE and KINDNESS.
As always, take care of yourself and others,
Christine
Author Info
No Comments