I’ll be the first to admit that despite my many qualms with most popular media today, the one benefit that has clearly come forward is the increased awareness of mental health and a far more open discussion around trauma. The number of resources around this topic have skyrocketed. With this, however, is the possibility of having too much information, or information that isn’t pertinent to you. A clear idea of trauma is difficult to assess if media is your only source of information. It’s important to take a look at this, considering the steady stream of media that flows through our everyday lives.
Trauma recovery is not the matter of willpower that the media suggests
It’s vital that we pay attention to what the media tells us. What we accept about mental health depictions matters, especially when our lives and self-perception are at stake. Whether we feel validated and seek timely, effective treatment can be influenced if not heavily impacted.
Most of all, it’s important to recognize that trauma and its treatment are not a one-size-fits-all definition or approach. Different people respond differently to trauma. To paint or perceive recovery as a linear process or as a matter of strength or weakness is counterproductive. When life hits you hard, the support you have along with your emotional resources will make the biggest difference.
Question Media Depictions of Your Toughest Experiences
Headlines are not the best measure of trauma
The media is meant to appeal to a wide range of people and a large audience. Due to this, there may be aspects of what you see, hear, or read that resonate, and others that make you raise an eyebrow. Keep in mind that media might be a good place to start your healing work, but it is not sufficient as a long term tool. Healing and growth is a jourey that will take time and intention, including learning to often step away from your devices. Instead, it will be important to connect regularly with real people. Also, develop tools to maintain perspective such as by keeping a journal and enjoying time in nature.
“Big” traumas are not the only “valid” traumas
The media you see might highlight more seemingly drastic forms of trauma as a way of drawing your attention in. This could leave you with the impression that certain traumas are more important or impactful. You might find yourself thinking that your traumas aren’t “that bad” or that “others have it worse”. Let’s be clear about something: comparing traumas is not necessary, not helpful. Shedding light on what you’ve been through that’s keeping you stuck in pain is necessary to heal. It doesn’t negate the suffering of other. It merely allow you to heal and grow. All comparison does is keep you suffering or ashamed.
PTSD is not just a combat condition
For many of us, the first exposure we had to PTSD was via conversation or media attention on “shell-shocked” soldiers returning home. The media depicts these veterans in a variety of ways. Some depictions are sympathetic, and some are stigmatizing. The problem is the impact on non-veterans who might believe that PTSD is only justified if someone has been through something as big and life altering as fighting in a war. It may lead to misconceptions about the causes of trauma and cause someone not to seek help because their traumas have little in common with a combat experience.
Trauma affects men, too
Many more women are diagnosed with PTSD than men. This may be due to the prevalence of violence and sexual assault against women and girls. However, many men experience trauma, though social norms may make them less likely to admit it. Often, the media portrays men resolving their traumas with revenge or rage or through a host of unhealthy methods. Of course, in real life, handling trauma this way only perpetuates the trauma cycle for everyone.
“Getting over it” is not a linear process… it’s not even the goal
Consider the number of traumas experienced by your favorite TV drama characters. They experience terrible relationship betrayal, natural disasters, and life altering experiences. They endure plane crashes, debilitating diseases, and unimaginable losses over the arc of a show.
Then, they pull themselves out of it. They receive treatment and return to their old selves. That character we know and love bounces back. Unfortunately, real-life does not promise such neat and tidy resolutions.
Trauma is definitely treatable. Comfort and healing are definitely possible. However, a return to function should not carry unrealistic expectations of rapid recovery. Remaining mindful and self-compassionate makes all the difference, allowing you safe and lasting emotional improvement.
Healing with Help is a Sign of Strength
Media portrayals of traumatic events and trauma symptoms often play up the drama. In addition, flashbacks, anxiety, and isolation are downplayed while anger, irritability, and reactivity are played up.
It is much more helpful if you take your cues about mental health from researchers and therapists, not the media. You can recover from trauma. You can grow, thrive, and come through trauma more confident and self-aware.
Read more about trauma treatment and contact us for a consultation.