Although there is hope on the horizon with the rollout of vaccines, the toll of COVID on individuals, families, and society has been high. Because we’ve been dealing with this virus for so long, our responses have changed. The term “collective trauma” has been used more than once to describe what everyone is going through.
Collective trauma refers to
“a shared experience of helplessness, disorientation, and loss among a group of people. The threatening event gives rise to a shared identification — despite the fact that the victimized individuals have different personalities and family backgrounds, different coping mechanisms and capacities for resilience.”
Molly S. Castelloe, Ph.D., quoted here.
It usually refers to an incident that is experienced by certain groups or communities. In the case of COVID-19, collective trauma is being experienced by the whole world.
Not only does that kind of trauma bring negative outcomes, but it can completely change the way a group of people operates. In some cases, it may even lead to similar symptoms of PTSD.
So, how are most people handling this kind of trauma? First, let’s look at how it’s affecting everyone.
The Trauma of COVID-19
As case numbers rise, there is both continued anxiety about our collective safety, and fatigue from being on restrictions for so long, and even rebellious urges to throw caution to the wind and resume normal life!
Unlike the collective trauma of 911, which was sudden and acute, the collective trauma of COVID-19 is prolonged and amorphous.
There has already been some serious conversations about the long-term mental health effects of COVID-19. This is based on prior research related to how people respond to isolation and feeling disconnected. Human beings are naturally social and need interaction. Everything from quarantining to social distancing has had an effect on individuals of all ages.
There is more social anxiety in both kids and adults. We have been out of practice at even casual conversation that aren’t virtual. It’s as if we have forgotten how to interact with others face-t0-face. This leads to more self-consciousness about saying or doing the wrong thing.
Collective Responses
Because of the similar experiences most people are going through, the responses have been collective, too. People are finding different ways to cope with the effects of this pandemic. But, those responses are similar to ways in which people might respond to PTSD.
Some of the most common reactions and responses include:
- Becoming obsessive about the news
- Avoiding the news completely
- Trying to “numb” the fear with unhealthy distractions (hence the Pandemic 20 pounds of weight gain).
- Trying to control the fear or pain
- Problems sleeping
- Difficulty paying attention
- Low energy levels
- Lower feelings of peace and joy
As you might expect, these collective responses can lead to even more mental health concerns in the future.
The long-term effects of going through a traumatic experience can cause feelings of anxiety and may lead to depression en masse. Unfortunately, because COVID has impacted people in different ways, it could be quite some time before we know how those long-term effects play out.
Dealing With Collective Trauma
It’s interesting to think that a term usually reserved for specific groups or communities can now be used to describe an entire country. Of course, the implications of this pandemic aren’t over yet.
Now, with the roll-out of vaccines, the effects of the trauma may shift into something more hopeful. But, it could still be quite a while before we are able to vaccinate most people who want it. Until then, we will continue to face similar struggles. The trauma and uncertainty will continue to build differently for everyone. It’s imperative to understand you’re not alone.
If you’re feeling as though you can’t handle the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, feel free to contact me. We’ll talk more about the underlying cause(s) of your trauma, and what you can do to keep moving forward, even as this virus continues to rage on.
Contact Me
I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:
- Having a safe, confidential space to work through life’s struggles
- Speaking openly with a highly-trained professional
- Learning to be curious about oneself and become more mindful about your choices
- Identifying relationship patterns that are helpful, or existing patterns that are interfering with your growth and wellbeing.
- I offer online therapy (video conference style of therapy), which provides an increased level of comfort as you could meet with me from the privacy and comfort of your own home or other location.
*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.
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