Our Federal Government Has Failed To Protect Us, And We Have Every Right To Feel Traumatized

Our 3-year-old son, Khalil, is exactly as reasonable as he should be, which is not at all. He is scared of things that aren’t all that risky ― like the sound of the washing machine ― and completely unfazed by things that could actually harm him ― like jumping enthusiastically under a countertop.

Over the last few weeks, many of us have been confronted with the fact that the systems we thought were in place are not. We’ve had to sift through all available information about COVID-19 ― the disease caused by the new coronavirus ― and make our own decisions, something we aren’t prepared to do. When it comes to public health and epidemiology, we are all basically toddlers.

In a recent social work class, my professor, Dr. Elizabeth Anable, mentioned she is noticing that her therapy clients are upset about the pandemic but that they are further distressed because our government’s failures and confusion were bringing up earlier parental traumas. We spoke after class about her observations.

Grief, betrayal, fear, loneliness and pain can lodge themselves in our bodies, and when we encounter a situation that reminds us of distressing moments in the past, our bodies and brains snap to attention, ready to do anything they can to protect us from being hurt again. We are triggered. Some tools that Anable suggests to help turn down the volume on your fear are below. These are helping me filter through some of my feelings of overwhelm so I can focus on the present situation and not be flooded by all of the emotions connected with every time I’ve been afraid in my entire life.

4. I’m orienting my body to turn down feelings of anxiety. Tap your arms and say, “These are my arms.” Wiggle your toes and pay attention to how that feels. Put on socks and notice where they touch your feet. Today I meditated and felt my breath moving in and out.

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Here's How Katy Perry Feels About Having Her First Baby With Orlando BloomKaty didn't care whether marriage came first.
Source: ELLE Magazine (US) - 🏆 472. / 51 Read more »

Singers, Rappers Rejected by Insurance Companies Over Coronavirus CancellationsSingers and rappers are having a hard time with insurance companies after having to postpone their tours and concerts. At least they got millions !! They’ll be alright unlike the rest of us peasants.... 😒 And This is bigger than a virus..Prepare for Martial Law 😂😂😂😂
Source: TMZ - 🏆 379. / 59 Read more »

10 Cozy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Have on the Table in Under 30 MinutesStart to finish, these veggies have us feeling jussssst right. kenkenkittyy
Source: Food52 - 🏆 113. / 63 Read more »

A Suspiciously Delicious Cabbage Recipe for Winter, Spring & BeyondTechnically a side, but we’re having a big plate for dinner.
Source: Food52 - 🏆 113. / 63 Read more »

New York City Public Schools To Shut Down Due To Coronavirus“I am distraught at having to take this action,' New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said. rachsandl We wish everyone safe rachsandl I’m kind of surprised it took so long rachsandl Neither of these two have a good answer for hello! Good luck New York you earned them
Source: Forbes - 🏆 394. / 53 Read more »

Hilary Duff Shuts Down Rumors That She's Having Marriage TroublesHilary Duff is shutting down rumors that there's marriage trouble with her and Matthew Koma, after she read a tabloid headline. Wow, I did not know they are married.
Source: enews - 🏆 466. / 52 Read more »