International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
By: Sue Wood, ICISF Member
Would you have ever believed that we would be living in isolation everywhere in America, and all around the world? Would you have further believed that people in everyday walks of life would be found on the treacherous “front lines” of anything? Neither did they. We are, all of a sudden, in a situation of “all in”, and we are not sure, for the most part, how we got here.
Worse yet, we do not have the slightest idea of when, if, or quite how, we’ll fully get out. Every one of us is playing some part in the success or failure of this recovery. There are essentially two group classifications: 1) those who mandatorily stay home in fear; and 2) those who keep working in danger and fear.
A third group has forced itself onto the scene: Those non-team-players who role the dice, not just for themselves, but for everyone whose path they, unnecessarily, cross. Their free will choices, exercised, endanger others who, for the good of all, must be in public. Day-to-day living brings enough confusion of its own, without this added threat.
The same grocery employee whom many hardly ever noticed is now the sought out “holder of information” and “keeper of precious stock”. At the same time, being approached in this environment could lead, in the worst case, to death, itself. Dedication for many used to simply mean faithfully completing one’s shift.
Equally to be considered are those who are typically found in the middle of crises, by nature of their chosen work – emergency services, doctors and nurses. The difference is that they are looking at much greater possibilities or probabilities of severe sickness or dying than even their usual heightened risks. Their shifts seem almost never-ending, and their family time non-existent.
People, all people, serving in public places, terrified of being where they are, must remain, so that we have the necessary supplies and services to continue on. Some may call them lucky to still have a job. They are working, but at what cost to them?
I worry. I worry because of the random victim selection of the Corona Virus, and the mostly still yet unidentified after-effects of having it in any way. We are all potential targets – now and later. I worry about those who have lost others to the virus, and live in a combination of loss and fear. I worry more selfishly about those I know personally. I worry about those who have to report to the front lines every day, almost without rest or rejuvenation, also initially not having at their disposal what we claim now is proper protection, if we really know what that is.
Living day and night for months in this level of distress, with its so many causes, has very deep, and potentially lasting, negative effects, if we don’t take action to counter them. Remembering that in this instance, we are “all in”, is much more than disturbing. Nobody is exempt from the crises, even if they do not succumb to the stress. The dangers are physical and psychological, constant, and we have no way to visualize a true end to any of it.
Many have contracted, and more will, contract the virus. How many thousands have, or will develop, Post-Traumatic Stress? How many of those will then be diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
A most important consideration is: in what ways can we help others now, and in the future, to get beyond this devastation? There are health, family, employment/income, and so many other considerations for each of us. Multiply that by the “all in” possibilities. The potential need is staggering. We have opportunities to act in positive ways that we must use to overcome the worrying.
“Peer Support” will take on new meaning. We may all be supporting each other in multiple ways, starting with regaining then maintaining mental and emotional health. In that this is likely, now is the perfect time to plan and train.
It is encouraging to see the forethought that is going into classes that allow training access to all who are interested. Those of us staying home have an opportunity to learn online, understand, prepare, and become part of the helping force that will ultimately be needed long into the future. Perhaps we will be able to in some way “spell” or aid those on the front lines.
Our training allows us to become a part of the solution, sometimes just for family and friends, and other times as volunteer support staff. We are not all of a sudden able or expected to do the detailed technical work that has regularly been required and takes years of education and certification, but we can function where needed to help give direction and calm to those who are becoming overwhelmed by fear or by constant work and exhaustion. “All In” will be increasingly needed in this part of the crises, as the numbers who need help will be overwhelming.
We can be here to free others to do the more technical work. We can be here to provide some peace of mind. Supporting others is invaluable. Showing up sends the message that we care, and that they are not alone. That emotional “breathing life back in”, in many instances, is as important as anything else that we can do.
This pandemic is playing mind games with us. We need to be survivors fighting back. We need to use caution and common sense, caring and the training we have acquired to send a loud message of hope and forward motion. We have the opportunity to embrace learning, to practice and then to teach others the ways they cannot just survive, but still thrive in their lives. These possibilities are as real as they ever were.
Things may never look the same. The fact that life has changed carries its many good aspects. We gain education, use creativity, and remember all the ways we can care for and about others. When we reach out with heart and soul, there is a greater depth in our convictions and in our words. We have needed this restored. The real thrust of life was always to live with meaning. Our “All In” opportunity to do just that again, is now.
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International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc is a 501(c)3 Non Profit