Genocide, Activism & Vicarious Trauma

We have been witnessing genocide and all its horrors for over a year now. Do we keep watching or do we slow down to refuel ourselves? And would slowing down ever be appropriate or does it dishonor the ones who are actively suffering right now? To answer these questions, you need to seriously consider how witnessing these atrocities is serving you. Is it moving you to effectively take action and create real change or is it debilitating you to the extent that you are now experiencing PTSD symptoms and cannot function. Use the following chart to help identify where you are emotionally:

First we need to stop comparing trauma & pain. Trauma is not only the result of the horrors inflicted upon you but it is also how your nervous system experiences what is happening around you. Because you have the capacity for empathy, your body does not know the difference between the pain that is inflicted on you and the internal pain that you experience. You need to Protect yourself from burnout and PTSD. Im not asking you to stop caring, just slow down as you need to & pace yourself. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Caring for our brothers and sisters around the world means being responsible enough to prevent burnout. To refuel and rehydrate. The only way to effectively bring change and acquire the justice we seek is to strengthen ourselves mind, body & soul. Even soldiers alternate between those who are resting and those on the lookout. Everything in life happens in cycles & this is no exception.

Refueling can include, reconnecting with your support systems, making sure you are taking care of your physical and mental health, educating yourself through different resources apart form social media or giving attention to aspects of your life you have neglected. Refueling and recharging can look different from person to person. Caring for others does not mean to stop caring for ourselves. We have the capacity to do both. We have the obligation to do both. Even when we are taught to make dua’a we are told to use “we” & “us.” We are taught to remember not just ourselves and not just others but that we should always pray for all of us.