THE TRAUMA AND STRESS OF COVID-19

Written by: Mary Anne Peck, Mary Anne Peck: Writing and Workshops

Survivors of domestic and sexual violence often face years of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and a long road to recovery in the aftermath of the assault. As we move through Sexual Assault Awareness Month, conversations around PTSD are incredibly important for understanding the lived experience of survivors around the world and exploring the best ways we can help them.
 
While PTSD is common among survivors of violence, PTSD and chronic stress can be caused by a variety of events. As the world moves further and further from the initial outbreak of COVID-19, doctors and psychologists have begun to explore the impact of the pandemic on mental health and the trauma responses that emerged during the global crisis.
 
There are many aspects of the pandemic experience that may lead to high levels of stress, including:

• Hospitalization: COVID has killed millions of people, and those who were hospitalized fought a long and painful battle for survival. The experience of hospitalization involved painful symptoms, uncertainty, and separation from friends and family.
• Death of Family Members: Many people lost at least one relative, friend, or coworker to COVID-19. The fear that came with this unexpected loss can cause long-term stress that some are still struggling with.
• Loss of Financial Stability: Many people lost their jobs and their financial stability early in the pandemic.
• Isolation: Social distancing left many people isolated from their community and support systems. This was especially traumatic for victims of domestic violence who were quarantined at home with their abusers.

 
If you are experiencing stress and mental health symptoms in connection to COVID-19, it is important to seek help and support. There are counselors on-island (through LBJ and DOH) who can help you to process your pandemic experiences. There are also community programs, such as those offered by the Alliance, focused on building resilience.
 
(If you are a community member interested in exploring the resiliency tools, please contact the Alliance to learn about future workshops and events. The Alliance is also sponsoring workshops for the staff of the Alliance’s Community Partner Organizations! These workshops are free and open to the public.) 

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