by Lori Heagney, LCMHC
Our brain has a way of grounding every facet of a traumatic event: it’s buried in our senses-smell, vision, touch, taste, and sound. I recall September 11, 2001 with all of these senses. I was holding my coffee, watching the television in the group room at the psychiatric hospital I worked at when I witnessed the 2nd plane crash into the tower. Oblivious and sleepy patients nodded in their chairs, and I remembered the concern I felt for the confusion and paranoia that would ensue when they awoke to hear the news. I recall the panic as I hugged my coworker when she shared that this meant she would not see her military husband for an indefinite time period as he was on a ship that instead of coming toward home, had turned back to the Middle East to defend our country. These are memories I will never forget.
I hear so many speak of remembering exactly where there where on 9-11 and the impact it had on them. I believe this can serve as a compassion-link for us to understand those who have experienced trauma. Trauma harms the brain and leaves a lasting impact like a head injury. It requires time as well as treatment to heal. If you are one of the walking wounded, please reach out and ask for help. Our brains were made to heal and healing is possible. If you are one of the fortunate who has not experienced the impact of lasting trauma, please be patient with those who have, showing love and concern to these individuals. Show them Jesus instead of impatience and an attitude that they should “just get over it”.
We all were impacted by that tragic day, 19 years ago and experience a level of anxiety because of it. Let this shared experience help us grow in compassion for the walking wounded among us and point them toward healing.
