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Perspective on Trauma, Connection and Resilience in Challenging Times
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by Wayne Steer I preface this article with the fact that while, for the past ten years I have worked for one of the foremost addiction treatment centres in Canada (Fresh Start Recovery Centre), my views do not necessarily reflect those of Fresh Start. Most of the staff who work at Fresh Start have firsthand, lived experience from having walked the road of recovery that others come to the facility to follow in their footsteps. I am merely a “Normie in a rehab - or more correctly - recovery world” who has picked up valuable life lessons from my experience over this decade.
‘You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.’ ~ Charlie Tremendous Jones
I must also say that I am a long-time member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and my work involves meeting with kind and generous people who wish to make a difference in the world by giving gifts of time, talent and treasure to “change the world with a giving heart” (phrase borrowed from National Philanthropy Day Celebrations®). Where I work and the work that I do gives me a tremendous glimpse into the kindness of humanity and the variety and depth of that kindness.
‘Kindness is the glue that holds community and humanity together’ ~ Wayne Steer, #GivingTuesdayNOW 2020
I am no stranger to trauma and know that much of my ability to cope with what sometimes seems like insurmountable odds has been tempered by where I work, my coworkers and the people that I serve with their constant pursuit – ideally – of abstinence using a 12-step approach.
As Calgarians, we have had our share of ups and downs and it seems as though during those down times are when we have been able to rally and come together to gain strength as a community.
“That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche.
In 2013 you may recall the floods from June 20th that rushed in and devastated communities along Bow and Elbow Rivers. How Mayor Naheed Nenshi’s call to action filled
McMahon Stadium beyond capacity with tens of thousands of volunteers, all eager to help folks affected by the flood dig out and rebuild. You may also recall a pivotal moment when it seemed that only by some miracle could the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede take place. Then a pivotal moment came when, then Calgary Stampede President, Bob Thompson made the announcement that the Stampede would go on “come Hell or High Water”. The miracle did happen and two weeks and a day after fish and flood waters filled the Calgary Saddledome, the same venue was filled with cowboy boots and bandannas and “the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” was underway as though nothing had happened.
‘True courage is being afraid, and going ahead and doing your job anyhow, that’s what courage is. ... In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still.’ ~ General Norman Schwarzkopf, Ret.
on an openness to rely on and be there for your neighbour in a harsh climate. We have demonstrated that this spirit lives strong here in Calgary and the time-honoured tradition of neighbours helping neighbours has been passed down from generation to generation and also been adopted by people who are new to the city who get caught up in the “neighbourly fever”. A with the 2013 floods, history has shown that we physically and emotionally come together in times of trauma and need.
All this was true and then, suddenly the worldwide reality and impact of the COVID19 pandemic hit. Now that physical connection has been broken by order of law in order to stop the spread of the virus. The side effect is to force people either to become more socially distant or to adapt and find new ways to become more connected without becoming closer physically.
“Man is by nature a social animal; an individual who is unsocial naturally and not accidentally is either beneath our notice or more than human. Society is something that precedes the individual. Anyone who either cannot lead the common life or is so self-sufficient as not to need to, and therefore does not partake of society, is either a beast or a god.” ~ Aristotle
My work experience has taught me that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, but rather connectedness, for addiction is a disease of isolation. This down time seems to present a significantly more formidable challenge for those in recovery or those needing recovery services.
‘Most emergencies bring people together. This one is driving us apart, which is a particular challenge to any alcoholic.’ ~ David, communications chair for Alcoholics Anonymous in the Greater Toronto Area
Isolation, feelings of despair and depression are fertile breeding grounds for those with addictive tendencies to transform distraction into dependence. CAMH reports the connection between addiction and mental illness to be very tight as those with a mental illness are twice as likely to have a substance use problem compared with the general population and people with substance use problems are up to three times more likely to have a mental illness. Prolonged physical isolation and distancing risks creating a mental health tsunami.
When things seem bad, try to put it in perspective that this is only a temporary – albeit somewhat prolonged temporary – condition and it will not last forever.
‘If You’re Going Through Hell, Keep Going’ ~ Winston Churchill
There are things you can do to help you maintain your Physical health:
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water. • Get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. • Exercise daily, preferably outside while practicing physical distancing guidelines • Take deep breath’s and stretch – meditation and yoga are excellent activities for this • Avoid risky or destructive behaviors, such as abusing alcohol or drugs, excessive gambling or ignoring public health recommendations.
As well as your Mental health:
• Create and follow a routine at home. • Focus on things you can control (“Serenity Prayer”) • Keep in contact with your friends and family • Focus on the NOW and consider what you are grateful for • Listen to music or read books. • Avoid things that agitate you • Connect with your personal beliefs and spirituality. • Be of service to others • Recognize and thank others for what they are doing to help
‘Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do!’ ~ Dr. Robert Schuller.
Although we must honor the physical distancing measures in place, and some of the courageous acts are impossible – no 2020 Stampede - we can adapt and reclaim or recover some of that Western Spirit. With a little bit of faith, hope gratitude and ingenuity and with the help of some of the real time, interactive communications platforms to keep us connected, we can reduce social isolation, maintain better mental health, ward off addiction and build up our resiliency – individually and collectively.
To quote a common recovery saying
