Coping with the Trauma of COVID-19

COVID-19 has upended the world. The entire country feels a collective trauma, and now it is having to navigate through it. Normally during times of collective trauma, people are able to come together and pick up the pieces together. This pandemic has stolen even that away. People are hurting, grieving, and afraid. The country could be on the verge of a massive mental health crisis.

When discussing trauma, there is “big T” trauma and “little t” trauma. Though many could say that overall, this is a “big T” trauma event because of the mass losses across the world, this pandemic has led to more little t trauma experiences in millions of homes and families. “Big T” trauma events are what most would consider trauma, serious and life-threatening – things like natural disasters, war, and abuse.

“Little t” trauma events are experienced at a more personal level and affect our ability to cope- things like the loss of a pet, the hurtful ending of a friendship, bullying, and emotional abuse. However, all trauma can cause a significant amount of distress, and none of it should be minimized.

The main thread that weaves through all experiences with COVID-19 is loss – unprecedented loss. There is a loss of normalcy and of routine, loss of hopes and dreams. There is a loss of community and hope.

Time

Many have faced extreme changes in their daily lives. They have gone from working full-time in the office to working mainly from home, sending their kids off to school in the morning to having to juggle time working, and with their kids at home.

They have not been able to go to church regularly or meet with their small groups. Though many have taken advantage of the slower schedules, taking the time to be with their families in ways they have been able to before.

This great change in time has also led to symptoms of depression and anxiety. People are working to adjust, but some are still struggling. This can be traumatic because it has led to a significant amount of distress. People value their time deeply, and though some time seems to be given back to them; their normalcy is gone. At Beverly Hills Christian Counseling, we offer faith-based support to help you process these changes, find peace, and restore balance in your life.

Money

People have lost their jobs. They are trying to live out of emergency funds that are drying up, unable to pay their bills. Financial crises can upend a family, but what COVID-19 has done to many is to take away their hope that they can be financially stable again. This trauma has done its fair share of damage to families, businesses, and people.

When people fear how they will feed their families with no end in sight to the madness, hope seems dissolved. The unfortunate thing is when people are struggling with mental health, financial difficulties often follow. It can be an endless cycle.

Isolation

The greatest thing about humanity is that in crisis, it rises and stands together as one. It is difficult to do that when no one is allowed to be around each other. Though many can stay six feet away from one another, the community is walking with a limp. The lack of physical connection is causing some to slip into depression and a deep sense of loneliness.

When people others the most to be able to heal from trauma, they are unable to have each other. Though it is important to be loving toward others by keeping distance now and wearing masks, the impact of social isolation can be detrimental. It can lead to poor sleep, impaired cognitive functions, and poor health. It can increase the rate of premature death almost as strongly as cardiovascular disease.

Finding Healing and Restoration from Trauma

Self-Reflect and Pay Attention

The only way people will be able to find healing from the trauma COVID-19 has unleashed is to find time to reflect on their experiences. They need silence and stillness, and they need to notice what they are feeling. They need to notice the uncomfortable sensations, pain, or tension in their bodies.

They need to consider what thoughts they are having, and the magnitude of the situation. They need to notice their worry, their fears, and their heartache. Self-reflection and awareness are the first step toward healing.

Be with Your Close Loved Ones

Even if it means wearing masks and sitting on opposite ends of the couch, make time to spend with your close friends and family. Being isolated will only exacerbate mental health issues, so it is imperative for people to be with one another. Prioritize this.

Mark Time with Words

Journaling can be very healing but writing one line a day or writing one page a day during this pandemic can help mark the time. This will help one be able to see what they experienced, what they have learned in the middle of this pain.

They will be able to look back and see how God brought them through one of the hardest years of their lives. They will see how He comforted them and brought them peace in their anxiety. They will see how He lifted them from the pit of despair, how he remained when they felt so alone. Words can remind people that there is still hope.

Hold onto Hope

Some situations seem hopeless right now. It does not seem like COVID-19 will get better because it keeps getting worse, but Christians know that nothing is without hope. Jesus is hope. When all of life seems to be falling apart, remember that He is your hope.

When you fear to send your kids to school or feeling overwhelmed with the thought of keeping them home, when you fear not being able to pay the bills next month, and when you fear the nation’s next steps, trust the One who holds it all. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear when the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling…Be still and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:1, 10

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:23

Encourage Others

When trauma feels overwhelming, it is easy to neglect the needs of others. Doing acts of kindness and speaking encouraging words will help others heal from their COVID-19 trauma, but it can also provide restoration in one’s own heart.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and of all comfort, who comforts us in our afflictions, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. – 2 Corinthians 1:2-4

Seek Counseling

If someone is uncomfortable meeting in person or if one’s counselor is not meeting with clients in person, seek out teletherapy and remain in counseling. Though many fight through the effects of trauma in their lives, others are not sure how to put into words what they are experiencing. They are unsure how to wade through the loss and chaos.

Therapy can ground them and help me see that they can make it through this. How can one know if he needs counseling? If one finds themselves feeling more depressed, like it is not lifting, if having panic attacks, excessive worry, nightmares, trouble sleeping, and lack of energy, it is time to seek a counselor.

If someone is feeling hopeless, getting more isolated, and unable to remember what is true, it may also be time to seek counseling. Though the trauma of this pandemic feels as though it may last forever, there will be a day when peace comes in. Until then, don’t wait to grab onto the peace available in Jesus. While the world is waiting away, you can be renewed in Him. Counselors at Beverly Hills Christian Counseling are here to walk with you on this journey toward hope and healing.