Trauma in the News

This morning while on my way to work, I was listening to the radio.  I was switching between The Bert Show here in Atlanta and The Elvis Duran Show in NYC.  I'll admit, these morning shows provide me with most of my current events news.  I'm not one to watch the news at night nor will I visit a news website.  I'm not against those sources, I just don't.  So, back to my point.  On each of these shows this morning they mentioned yet another allegation of sexual assault against a person in Hollywood. 

This actress, Kristina Cohen, was referring to an incident involving actor Ed Westwick.  He has already responded, via Twitter, “I do not know this woman. I have never forced myself in any manner, on any woman. I certainly have never committed rape."

I don't want to debate the allegations.  My point in mentioning this is, on the heels of the Weinstein and Spacey allegations, the news has become saturated with stories of victims finding their voices.  For other victims who may not have told their story yet, seeing others take that step may empower them to open up also.  Sharing your story with someone, someone who can help, someone who cares, may not only help you begin your journey to healing but may help someone else as well.

An unfortunate side effect of stories like this latest one about Westwick have another effect- retraumatizing.  Survivors of sexual abuse may feel re traumatized when hearing these stories in the news.  Maybe that person is you.  Some signs of feeling re victimized include:

• Confusion, difficulty concentrating
• Anger, irritability, mood swings
• Anxiety, fear
• Guilt, shame, self-blame
• Withdrawing from others
• Feeling sad or hopeless
• Feeling numb

Please reach out to someone if you are feeling this way.  You don't have to go through it alone.  One thing we can certainly take from these news stories is you aren't alone.