Has tragedy become entertainment in our world? CNN boasts headlines of current news and circumstances throughout the world, reality television seems to be increasing in popularity, and tabloid magazines continue to sell the pain inflicted in others' lives. Some would argue that the news allows for growth of knowledge and understanding in order to prevent circumstances of their own, while others state that focusing on another's drama allows them to escape from their own. What most may not realize is that there is a process of desensitization that is taking place in the midst of the escape. Some are challenged to battle chains from wounds that affect them daily. Such individuals' minds seek consistent escape from the dungeon of trauma from their past.
Trauma comes in all shapes and forms and affects people of all ages. It can best be described as an experience that causes serious emotional distress (www.thefreedictionary.com/trauma). Examples of traumatic events could include catastrophic storms such as hurricanes or tornadoes, community violence, and loss of a parent. One thing these traumatic events have in common is that they are most often public knowledge. Other examples of trauma include abuse or deployment to a war zone. Trauma is often a silent battle fought by those that are inflicted. Trauma survivors often feel as though something is wrong with their functioning, whether it be socially, mentally, physically or emotionally, when it fact, their bodies are doing exactly what they are created to do — survive in the midst of a highly stressful situation.
So how does a trauma survivor walk out of the dungeon and into reality to enjoy daily living? Through therapy a trauma survivor is able to move impulsive behaviors and thoughts into a more rational side of the nervous system in order to consider the consequences to their behavior. There have been instances where I have observed trauma survivors maintain obsessive compulsive behaviors in an attempt to feel safe and secure, for instance wrapping themselves tightly in their sheets nightly. Once the transition occurs allowing more rational thinking, individuals are able to manage their emotions and maintain self-regulation. This means that they are able to “grab the reins” of their life and lead toward goals of happiness and contentment.