Vicarious Trauma and the Trump Assassination attempt

In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with news, some of it extremely distressing. The attempted assassination of former President Trump is a current example that is impacting many people. Even if you weren’t directly involved, you might still feel affected. This is known as vicarious trauma, a condition where you experience trauma symptoms from exposure to another person’s traumatic experiences, or where you see the traumatic event on TV, or even read about it. Let’s explore what vicarious trauma is and how to cope with it.

What Is Vicarious Trauma?

Vicarious trauma happens when you hear about or see traumatic events, even if they don’t directly happen to you. This can lead to emotional and psychological distress similar to what someone might feel if they experienced the event firsthand. For instance, constantly hearing about violent acts or political turmoil can deeply affect your mental well-being.

The Impact of the Trump Assassination Attempt

The assassination attempt on former President Trump is a significant and shocking event. These incidents can cause a range of traumatic emotions, from fear and anger to sadness and confusion. Even if you’re only hearing about it through the news or social media, the impact can be profound.

1. Increased Anxiety: Constant exposure to distressing news can heighten anxiety levels. You might feel more on edge or worried about safety. This is your sympathetic nervous system, or the Fight-or-Flight response.
2. Emotional Numbness: Over time, you might start to feel emotionally numb, as a way to protect yourself from the constant barrage of negative news.
3. Sleep Disturbances: Worrying about the state of the world can lead to trouble sleeping, including nightmares or insomnia.
4. Depression: Feeling helpless or overwhelmed by the situation can lead to depressive symptoms.

Why Do We Experience Vicarious Trauma?

1. Empathy: As humans, we naturally empathize with others. When we see someone in pain or danger, we can’t help but feel some of that pain ourselves. In small doses, empathy is fine; however, too much and we become to involved with the other person’s experience and even take on their experience. Counseling helps you manage empathy and to prevent it becoming toxic.
2. Constant Media Exposure: The 24/7 news cycle means we are constantly exposed to traumatic events. This can make it hard to escape or find relief.
3. Personal Connections: If you have strong feelings about the people or events involved, the impact can be even more significant. With the charged thoughts about former President Trump, it is normal for people to find an exaggerated impact of this traumatic event.

Coping with Vicarious Trauma

If you find yourself struggling with vicarious trauma, here are some steps you can take to manage it:

1. Limit Media Exposure: It’s important to stay informed, but constantly checking the news can be harmful. Set boundaries on how much time you spend consuming news.
2. Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a mental health professional about how you’re feeling. Sharing your thoughts can be incredibly therapeutic.
3. Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This might include hobbies, exercise, meditation, or simply spending time in nature.
4. Stay Connected: Maintaining social connections can help you feel supported and less isolated.
5. Focus on Positive Actions: Find ways to contribute positively, whether it’s through volunteering, advocacy, or simply being kind to others. These activities do not need to be related to the event. Volunteering to play with puppies is going to have a more beneficial impact than teaching people the danger of guns with respect to the assassination attempt.
   1. It is fine, however, to take action that helps give a sense of control over the incident. For example, a victim of a mugging might take self defense classes, or a person who has witnessed a person having a heat-attack might take a CPR class.

Conclusion

Vicarious trauma is a real and serious condition that can affect anyone exposed to traumatic events, even indirectly. The attempted assassination of former President Trump is just one example of how news can impact our mental health. By recognizing the signs of vicarious trauma and taking steps to manage it, you can protect your well-being in these challenging times.

Final Thoughts

If you’re finding it difficult to cope with the news and its impact on your mental health, please consider getting in touch with me. I will provide the support and strategies you need to navigate these feelings. Remember, it’s important to take care of yourself, even as you stay informed about the world around you.