Trauma: An Overused Trope
Through changing work environments, social lives, family dynamics, politics and the shifting economy, the pandemic has been a turbulent time. During this time of uncertainty, if there’s been anything constant, it’s the negative experiences we shared: being unable to see family, rising unemployment, food insecurity, domestic conflicts and a general loss of connection. While different people may have been affected by the pandemic differently, we all share a collective trauma. … Or do we? What does “trauma” even mean here? Is it the same as the trauma a soldier returning from the trenches or someone who went through abuse? What kind of discussions does “trauma” foster and might it be impeding the way we talk about this pandemic?
Sources
- Cummins, Eleanor. “The Self-Help That No One Needs Right Now.” The Atlantic 18 Oct 2021.
- Harvard School of Public Health. “After pandemic trauma, people’s return to normal will vary, say experts.”
- Lee, Diana. “The Pandemic as Trauma: Accepting Our Emotions.” UT News 19 Jan 2021.
- Prideaux, Ed. “When the pandemic is over, how should we process the memories of what happened?” BBC Future 3 Feb 2021.
Music
- Podington Bear, “Nocturne“
- Podington Bear, “Steppin’ In“