Collective trauma

Collective trauma according to Dr. Sharon Stanley in Relational and Centred Practices For Healing Trauma (2nd edition):

“Collective trauma refers to the psychological distress a large group of people experience in response to a shared experience and is represented in the collective memory of the group. Symptoms of collective trauma are: disembodiment, dissociation, hyper and hypo arousal, hopelessness, aggression, grief, anxiety, grandiosity, physical, emotional, social and cognitive dysfunction”. 

Not to mention despair —trauma paralyzes us, makes us lose hope and, from a despairing place it becomes so difficult to take action.

In recent memory, we have seen the effects of climate change: fires, floods, and interpersonal violence: terrorism, genocide, colonialism, political shifts, the emergence of new and old hatreds and a lack of moral compass in leadership. It is in these times that we may forget that good, empathy and connection still exist. In these times, we need to turn to healthy connection in our communities more than ever. We may seek solace in nature, animal companions, friendships, groups, collectives or families. Collective trauma cannot be borne alone. It must be borne together.