Have you experienced trauma in your life? If you’re reading this, you probably have. Trauma doesn’t need to be something that has happened to you. It can be experiencing something through learning about it.

Today’s news websites, TV and radio shows, and even social media feeds are full of horrific images and terrifying stories. These stories draw us in, compelling us to click on the next link, see the next image. And they are damaging us more than we can comprehend. (See this excellent HuffPost article on this topic.)

With the current situation in israel, we may feel more compelled than usual to seek out news of terror attacks. Pictures are often available to be consumed, and video. Thumbnails of clips shock us even when we don’t click on the videos. I’m sure you know what I mean.

I’d like to reiterate what I said a couple of weeks ago. What our friends and family in Israel need from us is support and prayer. They want to hear from us, they depend on us for our care and attention in this difficult time. They don’t need us to view horrific images. They don’t need us to read gory details. All this does is traumatize us, and makes us less available to be present for others.

And parents, please be extra mindful when consuming or talking about news around children. They are more perceptive than we think, and they are more susceptible than ever to trauma.
Let’s spend our time and attention giving love, care, and protection to those who need it most.

Shimmy Feintuch, LCSW CASAC-G maintains a private practice in Brooklyn, NY, and Washington Heights, NYC, with specialties in addictions and anxiety. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Contact: (530) 334-6882 or shimmyfeintuch@gmail.com. 

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