[psych-hr] Re: Fwd: A message from the Science Directorate

Hi Anne,

The attachment is an op-ed piece I wrote for our local Gannet rag.  It was
requested by two ER docs who write a weekly column.  Use it as you wish,

John

-------------
      The horrific events of the past week have deeply traumatized all of 
us. In the ER, in the street, and in each of lives, we struggle to find 
meaning in what has happened. This week's column is written by my friend, 
John R. Van Eenwyk.   Dr. Van Eenwyk is a local psychologist and Episcopal 
clergyman known internationally for his work with torture survivors.  We 
serve together on the clinical faculty of the International Trauma 
Treatment Program here in Olympia.


What's Changed?

      Have you thought of canceling travel plans lately? Are you more aware 
than usual of sirens? Do you keep your eyes glued to the television? If you 
can answer "yes" to any of these, then you are experiencing the most common 
symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Hypervigilance, 
flashbacks, and hyper-arousal.
      Hypervigilance means that we monitor our environment for threats to 
our well-being that resemble previous trauma.  Flashbacks mean that we 
re-experience aspects of a previous trauma in new 
situations.  Hyper-arousal means that we have become addicted to the 
intensity of the original trauma.   Because life is to some degree 
traumatic, we are all familiar with at least some of these symptoms.

Powerlessness

      At birth, we are totally dependent on others for our health and 
safety.  As we grow older, we come to believe that we can take care of 
ourselves.   To a large degree, we can.  Traumatic experiences, however, 
bring home to us the shocking truth that much remains beyond our control.
      How can we live in the knowledge that at any moment our lives can 
slip from our control? What can we do when traumatic experiences implode 
into our lives? While there are many techniques for healing trauma, all are 
based on relationship.  Good relationship with ourselves and with others is 
the foundation of health.
      Recent events bear this out.  Was anyone's heart not touched by 
people's sacrifices, support, and love for each other? Friends, families, 
and strangers gave of themselves whether or not they knew who they were 
helping.  Such combined efforts increase our capacity to deal with 
trauma.  Relationships often improve as a result of disaster.
      Nevertheless, while natural disasters have no perpetrator, and even 
accidents are often no one's fault, not having anyone to blame leaves us at 
the mercy of fate.  We prefer to designate the cause and to do something 
about it.

Terrorism

      Terrorism seems to provide just such an opportunity.  Obviously, 
somebody did it.  Find out who and get them out of the way, and we'll all 
be safe.
      Right?
      Well, not exactly.  Terrorism's roots are very complex.  Hatred and 
insanity are always present.  But, so are desperation and 
hopelessness.  Injustice, exploitation, manipulation by propaganda, 
ideology, and religion--all prepare the soil for terrorism.  But, above 
all, they disrupt--if not destroy--relationship.
      That which helps us to survive terrorism is also the answer to 
preventing it.  For whatever reason, terrorists have given up the hope of 
ever solving their problems through relationship.  Openness, dialogue, and 
compromise have become impossible.  Drowning in their own cynicism, there 
is no one to pull them out.

Healing

      It need not be this way.  We are not helpless.  Hypervigilance, 
flashbacks, and hyper-arousal need not determine our behavior.  We can turn 
off our televisions, listen to our children, increase the time for 
relationship, open ourselves to others, engage in dialogue, and honor 
others' viewpoints.
      Dealing with the effects of trauma strengthens us to meet whatever 
the future brings.  The more we open ourselves to one another, the stronger 
we all become.  The challenges of trauma can be opportunities for healing.




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