Coronavirus and the Collective Trauma
While the government is working hard to manage COVID-19, much of its focus involves preventing and treating the disease. However, there is a gradual growth of long-term collective trauma that arises due to the pandemic, which needs immediate concern and consideration.
Check this article to understand the meaning of collective trauma and its impacts on a group of people, populations, societies, and even nations.
Examples of historical collective trauma in America include:
- The great depression of the 1930s
- World War II
- September 11, 2001 attacks
- The great recession in 2008
Additionally, research on previous pandemics such as SARS and Ebola outbreaks gives us some hints on the possible long-term collective impact of the coronavirus pandemic. For instance, the most common mental health conditions associated with pandemics from collective trauma include panic, stress, depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, among others.
Also, the collective trauma leads to daily life disruptions of crucial activities. Extended periods of quarantine and isolation can also create a negative impact on people.
How to Cope with Collective Trauma
Apart from being aware of the possible impacts of a pandemic, societal and community actions may help reduce its lasting negative consequences. To minimize the adverse mental effects of COVID-19 due to isolation, researchers recommend that the government should take measures to inform people, reduce quarantine periods, and to provide trustworthy resources.
A few tips steps to help you cope with collective trauma include:
Limiting Media Exposure to avoid Collective Trauma
According to research on the consequences of 9/11, people who reported watching more media news coverage about the terrorist’s attacks struggled with negative psychological impacts. Also, those exposed to the news coverage for more than five hours daily were four times as likely to get PTSD-like symptoms. Therefore, limiting media exposure to tragic and disastrous events can control collective trauma.
Receiving only Reliable Information
If you expose yourself to inaccurate information about calamities from social media or other communication channels, you are at higher risks of stress and anxiety disorders.
People are vulnerable to stress and panic if they fail to evaluate the risk of a threat accurately. While emotions can sometimes cloud judgment, particularly in stressful situations, research suggests that people can reasonably make correct judgements of the impending danger if they receive reliable information from trustworthy sources. Therefore, it is crucial to help people make wise choices by providing truthful and transparent facts.
Getting Along with Others
Even though social distancing guidelines require people to limit face-to-face interaction, you can still maintain social connections using other available means. Fortunately, with the current innovations, you can even communicate with your loved ones, co-workers, and peers using virtual technology.
Utilizing Mental Health Resources
There are various professional rehabs near you that can assist with your mental health needs. Ensure to check these centers and inquire how they can address your mental health needs before joining one. You will be amazed by how they are willing to offer online services to address the pandemic problems and assistance during these times.
A word from the Recover
If the government does not take relevant actions to control collective trauma during the current coronavirus era, many health problems will continue increasing in the coming days. However, when people learn how to cope with pandemics, they can avoid any traumas and issues associated with it.
