Being a First Responder to Every Day Trauma

Introduction

Romans 12:15 NIV

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Life Purpose:

I am a poem being written by the hand of Jesus to live in unending discovery of him and his plan to show his love to those around me.

Roles:

Husband and Father

Friend, Brother, Neighbor

Friend, Brother, and Neighbor

Pastor and Professor

How Long, O Lord? Reflections on Suffering and Evil Chapter 13: Some Pastoral Reflections

Many verbal expressions of encouragement should not be based on the assumption that they must answer an implicit “Why?” Not everyone asks that question.

Everyday Trauma - a crisis that interrupts normal life beyond coping ability.

Trauma, Loss & Bereavement: A Survivor’s Handbook Chapter 2: Traumatic Loss & Bereavement

Trauma is defined as a sudden and overwhelming event outside the normal range of human experience which exposes the victims or loved ones to threat, death, or horror. Trauma is a major life stressor!

examples: victim of injustice; medical diagnosis; accident at work, play, or on the road; relational turmoil, natural disasters, sudden death, etc.

First Responder - the coping skills coupled with a caring support network will make trauma survival more possible.

The Grace of God shows up in your love and care in response to everyday trauma.

Small Group Discussion

Q1: Compile your own list of suffering—both what you see in the world around you and what you yourself have suffered. What are the varieties of suffering and the levels that are experienced? (5 Minutes)

Q2: Have you ever gone through a period of asking disturbing questions about the love or power of God? What precipitated it? What was most important in helping you through it? (7 Minutes)

Responding with Grace to Everyday Trauma

The Problem: Everyday Trauma cripples people

an example from complicated bereavement...

2 million deaths per year with 8 - 10 people affected.

1/3 of these results in serious, complicated (traumatic) reactions.

5 - 6 million potential individuals who suffer extended consequences of trauma from bereavement alone.

Trauma, Loss & Bereavement: A Survivor’s Handbook Chapter 2: Traumatic Loss & Bereavement

This potential of 5–6 million individuals suffering the consequences of complicated, uncompleted, mourning indicates that in many cases, time does not heal all wounds. Many individuals who experience traumatic bereavement: that is to say, bereavement complicated by violence, accident, randomness, murder, suicide or illness are at risk for having their lives suddenly changed forever. These life changing experiences are characterized by trauma and victimization which leave individuals not knowing how to cope, successfully mourn, and rebuild their lives. In essence they have experienced a wound that does not heal.

Trauma, Loss & Bereavement: A Survivor’s Handbook Chapter 2: Traumatic Loss & Bereavement

Many individuals who experience traumatic bereavement: that is to say, bereavement complicated by violence, accident, randomness, murder, suicide or illness are at risk for having their lives suddenly changed forever. These life changing experiences are characterized by trauma and victimization which leave individuals not knowing how to cope, successfully mourn, and rebuild their lives. In essence they have experienced a wound that does not heal.

Results of Trauma

Trauma, Loss & Bereavement: A Survivor’s Handbook Chapter 2: Traumatic Loss & Bereavement

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, physical illnesses, lost time from work, marital stress, mental health consequences, changes in basic assumptions about life, shattered illusions, familial abuse, increased substance abuse, and shattered self-esteem.

The Sources: Everyday Trauma is Increasing!

health care

rising crises

globalization

polarization

health care overall on the rise means people will live longer and are exposed to traumatic deaths with greater frequency.

health care funding has decreased for emotional and mental health.

crises are on the rise (random shootings, racial confrontations, political environment, depersonalization)

globalization means that world events become our neighborhood events.

polarization divides people into categories along racial, political, economic, religious extremes.

The Receiver of Trauma: A whole-person experience

suddenness overwhelms our coping abilities.

We experience cognitive, affective, and behavioral changes.

Cognitive Effects

Cognitive

common beliefs about justice, order, safety, meaning, stability, predictability, and control are shattered.

experience of fear, vulnerability, helplessness, and loss of control.

loss of security and confidence results in greater anxiety.

Affective

greater emotional reactions (anger, ambivalence, guilt, helplessness, confusion, disorganization, etc.)

secondary issues (medical care, counseling, financial impacts increase.

mistrust, hopelessness, fear

compounds and exaggerates the normal ongoing life stressors.

Behavior

many diverse physical responses (pain, numbing, headaches, sheep, digestive disorders, depression, anxiety, fatigue, tension, weakness, hyper-vigilance, irritability, etc.)

ineffective coping often results in addiction, failed relationships, avoidance, phobias, chronic depression, compulsive-destructive behaviors, etc,)

The Response to Trauma: A Whole-Person Response

love, lead, and feed

love, lead, and feed

pastor shepherd

pastor overseer

pastor teacher

Love:

listen and learn

care and safety

provide practical help

Romans 12:15 NIV

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

How Long, O Lord? Reflections on Suffering and Evil Chapter 13: Some Pastoral Reflections

For the far higher task of teaching fortitude and patience I was never fool enough to suppose myself qualified, nor have I anything to offer my readers except my conviction that when pain is to be borne, a little courage helps more than much knowledge, a little human sympathy more than much courage, and the least tincture of the love of God more than all.

Helping with gardening or preparing a casserole may be a far more spiritual exercise than the exposition of . The Scriptures themselves exhort us to “mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15)

Lead:

understand the nature of trauma

listen: match their thinking and speaking

understand the nature of trauma

give reasons for symptoms (normalization)

provide resources for further care and healing

Feed:

share your own story of trauma and trust

share

when they are ready, direct them to Christ and the Scriptures

How Long, O Lord? Reflections on Suffering and Evil Chapter 13: Some Pastoral Reflections

Frequently in the midst of suffering the most comforting “answers” are simple presence, help, silence, tears. Helping with the gardening or preparing a casserole may be far more spiritual an exercise than the exposition of Romans 8:28. The Scriptures themselves exhort us to “mourn with those who mourn” (Rom. 12:15).

This is a better time and place for expressions of love than recitation of theology.

How Long, O Lord? Reflections on Suffering and Evil Chapter 13: Some Pastoral Reflections

For the far higher task of teaching fortitude and patience I was never fool enough to suppose myself qualified, nor have I anything to offer my readers except my conviction that when pain is to be borne, a little courage helps more than much knowledge, a little human sympathy more than much courage, and the least tincture of the love of God more than all.

Role Play

Your next door neighbors from the Sudan learn that there was a military action in their city and they haven’t heard from their family or friends in 24 hours. They are desperate for news but are afraid that the news won’t be welcome when it comes. They came to the US because of violence in their country and this brings up unresolved trauma from their past experience.

Q/A