For most patients, the COVID-19 crisis has created a “new normal.” They may be stuck at home, unable to work, or feeling isolated from dear friends and family.
This all can leave people feeling helpless.
So what can we do to help patients regain a sense of agency during the pandemic? Bessel van der Kolk, MD has several ideas.
Take a moment now to hear them in the video below.
Just one note before you watch: there’s a section that Bessel specifically asked us to leave in, even though we’d normally remove it. However, this time he wanted you to be able to hear it for yourself.
According to Bessel, there are insights we can draw from trauma therapy that could help patients when they’re feeling helpless or reeling from the unpredictability of life during a pandemic.
Now think of the patients you’ll be seeing this week. Is there a strategy from the video that one of them might find particularly helpful?
We understand that not everyone will agree with Bessel’s politics, and we appreciate that we have a community of practitioners from both sides of the aisle. But for the comments we’d like to focus on what we all have in common: our work with patients.
Please let us know a strategy that one of your patients may find helpful in the comments below.
What Bessel is saying, and suggesting, is exactly what has supported and allowed me to recover (combined with much long term counceling and extremely valuable art therapy) from a lifetime of living with the consequences of childhood neglect and abuse (combined with my mother’s Munchausen Syndrome) which expressed itself in a dysfunctional core personality based in/on Complex PTSD. I am now eighty three and live a creative, interesting and healthy life. No one says it ‘exactly’ how it is like Bessell!!!!! Recovery is never too late. but, one has to work hard for it. Thank you to all who did their best to help me, when we crossed paths. P/Sx
I love listening to Dr. Van der Kolk! He gives it straight, yes, and as he does so, his point becomes quite clear in regard to the effects of trauma. I take no offense at his comments about what is helping to fuel unpredictability in the midst of COVID 19.I like his ideas for personally creating predictability while being isolated for an unknown period of time. I will be sharing this video.
Very biased and unprofessional. Regardless of politics, adds to feeling of fear and helplessness. Shame Bessell put his (smirking) self-gratification over professionalism and just as sad that it was not deleted.
As you said, “regardless of politics”… This period of unrest in the midst of a new/unknown pathogen which has led to this pandemic, does indeed create feelings of helplessness due to its unpredictability. Dr. Van der Kolk is straightforward, with no pretentiousness regarding what may be “professional,” in the eyes of some people. He clearly demonstrates the down-to-earth communication style that many people can identify with, thus earning the trust of patients. Assisting clients in a manner which places their needs ahead of all the letters after his name is a gift, and providers who can do that are demonstrating true “professionalism.” I admire that.
i think maybe the setting of a timed structure like getting up and having breakfast then maybe doing 30 mins of exercise i am going to try this this week by setting up a daily activities chart for them
I applaud your saying the C word in regards to the leadership in the federal government. As a mental health practitioner with 48 years of experience, I believe it is past time for us as a profession to stop standing by and thinking that matters will improve without an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment intervention. The question is how to make it happen. We will be a sicker society staying in denial.
Thank you for your ideas on how to bring sanity back for ourselves, our clients, and loved ones.
true
J.M. Emetchi – trauma worker.
In my mind it is false to separate Trumpian politics from this COVID-19. Brown and black people, poor people financially, Immigrants, Elderly folk and others disproportionately are impacted and the impact is far worsened by the appallingly slow, ridiculously conditional and stingy response from Government. Trump’s decisions hold some responsibility for Americans sickening and dying. Politics and health care are entwined and we helpers in whatever form we give ourselves need to realize this and quit denying that there is a vicious Class war happening here. To not comprehend this is to be naive and apply a “one size fits all” approach to the huge diversity of situations that happen every day and every night.
Bravo Bessel I stand alongside you.
Aside from his political
Comments I enjoyed this video and will
Use some of his tips with my clients. His presentation was clear and simple
I respect his political views but feel our problems are not limited to the Presidency. I see the craziness throughout our govt cuz as divided as our country is and many against our leader it would be an opportune time for the enemy to strike. My fear is bio warfare !!! I would like this virus to unify us. We are all Americans and if you dont agree with the President then use your right to Vote and your voice will be heard. That is the democratic way and what has made our country great thou the years. We need to work together by sharing ideas and respect each to find resolution to stomp out Covid. Not a good time to find fault with each other.
First of all, I admire your work. It is unfortunate to bring politics into this professional space. We are here to help empower people and no one is empowered by blaming others. In fact, blame leads to the ultimate helplessness.
No one is empowered by pretending that madness is sanity. Let’s just call it what it is. Many people are being actively traumatized by the endless gaslighting, abuse and insanity coming directly from the president.
Do you still think this, in light of recent developments in Florida?
When individuals are feeling overwhelmed and helpless in the midst of current unpredictability, and these feelings mirror those associated with previous trauma, examining areas that may be fueling feelings of helplessness is essential. Working with a practitioner that is willing to walk into the muck that others may avoid in practice, can lessen any timidity that a client may be experiencing. Facts are facts. If examining the effects of a lack of leadership and transparency, by the leader of this country, allows a client to more clearly look at all aspects of their current situation, thus identifying what they can/cannot control (i.e. the amount of news they watch), that’s appropriate. Dr. Van der Kolk was speaking to other practitioners. He clearly indicated that he knew some would be offended, and that he wanted them to consider his point. I’m sure he does not hit his clients over the head with his political views. What he does do is demonstrate that he is human, and is also at a loss in figuring out why we don’t have presidential leadership in controlling this pandemic. It doesn’t matter what your political views, because we’re all effected by this. When communicating, Dr. Van der Kolk doesn’t place all the letters behind his name ahead of his audience. He is in no way reserved or pompous. He is reachable. He reaches out through means of communication which are human and honest. He is not pretentious. His clients’ needs come first. He is “real,” and that is admirable.
thank you for not deleting bessel’s comment on trump. there is an unmistakeable trauma resulting from this president, and not to acknowledge the effect he is having en masse, is to be in some denial. which would not be helpful to anyone. i posit there is more objectivity to admitting the negative effect on citizens, than will probably be mentioned by anyone who supports him. the trump presidency simultaneous with the virus menace, a double crisis……so glad to see the goodness of people though, it truly is the worst and best of times.