If you have not been affected by the children imprisoned and abused at the various border detention facilities than you may need to have your heart checked to ensure it’s still beating. I think as mental health professionals this strikes at the very core of why we do the work we do. We usually hear stories of trauma and abuse after the fact and it’s natural for us to bring out our therapeutic tools and get to work. I find it cripplingly painful to watch the abuse as it’s happening and not be able to help.
Articles spring up daily with stuff we already know, How children are affected by trauma.
How the toxic stress of family separation can harm a child
A Troubling Prognosis for Migrant Children in Detention: ‘The Earlier They’re Out, the Better’
We know how to help them and we know that each day they remain imprisoned the trauma deepens and the recovery process becomes more complex. We ARE the “helping profession” and yet I feel so helpless. I know I’m not alone as many of us collectively watch in horror not only by what we see and hear but that we can’t get these children to safety. How is it possible that we can watch this live and no one is able to get them out. If a building is on fire the fire fighters come immediately and put out the fire. It’s not about politics– if someone is in danger they are rescued. This building is on fire and this is unconscionable.
In the meantime, I haven’t lost hope. I trust in humanity even when it’s hidden behind dark clouds. I know that I have to put my energy and focus to those in my reach that need my help. I will explain to my own children when asked that no one will take them away and put them in cages. I will support my colleagues as they process their grief and horror. And, like all of you, if asked I will be there to help.
8 comments
There is nothing you can do by talking about it. And with the Russian hacking of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram don’t be surprised if Trump wins again, and institutes even more draconian measures. The only way to ensure that the public who supports him, turns against him, is if they are told the truth. These 100+ million of folks get their misinformation from Fox News. And in all fairness they deserve to know the truth so they can make educated decision and not be manipulated. Julie, if you want an educated electorate, who know how to disagree in an intelligent manner let your follower know that it is time to boycott the top 10 Fox News sponsors. Only money talks in this country. Google top 10 sponsors of Fox and put the word out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. You will be surprised how willing your follower will be – after all it takes no effort and no money. A number of FOx employees got fired because of boycotts so we know it works. Good luck with taking action vs talking about.
I am a therapist who works mostly with immigrant families. The amount of trauma and suicidal ideation I see is astounding. Our communities of color are traumatized and we have to call it how it is. This administrations war in our immigrant communities is real. I am trying to empower my clients to stay active and share their stories with others. My heart is broken. I wish I could go to the border and help. I can’t.
Speaking for myself, I’m not interested in blame now. I’m interested in solutions. One is to change the presidential administration. So I urge us all to work on that solution. This president is overturning asylum-seeking policies and precedents in ways we need to stop. This organization is helping with getting a Dem in the White House https://swingleft.org/ We need a humanitarians in leadership of all kinds and levels in addition to Congress and state capitols. For our peoples’ sake too.
Very importantly too, we also need to help Americans heal from their dependence on the medicinal uses of illegal substances. Our use of those substances coming from south of our borders has contributed to some of the social violence in Central America. As therapists, friends and neighbors, let’s help Americans find other ways to feel whole and thriving without using drugs imported from south of our borders. We also need to help our neighbors not start using drugs through building healthy communities.
Let’s help create healthy economies and political stabilization in those countries too.
How can you assume that all of the “shrinks” you write to share your political bent? You assume the president is to blame (but not when a different man held the office). You assume the adults who dragged these children illegally into another country are not to blame. You assume that we “shrinks” care more about these children than the greater number of homeless children in the country living without food or shelter (or any other suffering population).
I am on your mailing list because it purports to be therapist- and therapy-focused. I will unsubscribe if you continue to spout your political criticisms of the United States and its elected officials or continue to shame me into supporting your cause of the day.
Kevin it’s scary for me how you don’t know that immigrants are seeking Asylum to find a better life for their families. It’s scary that you don’t realize that Asylum is legal. Most people who are waiting on the border also have sponsors here in the USA. Aren’t you a son of immigrants? No matter what your politics don’t you see the racism in our current administration?
I hope Kevin does leave the mailing list. This is a caring profession, so we generally do care about this atrocity. Maybe you should find a mailing list that isn’t so caring.
As a school psychologist for a large multi location school with almost 50% English Language Learners, we’re also dealing with students who are fearful that one or both of their parents will be deported. I’m working with my mental health team to support these students. Voting and doing what I can for my students with without burning out or developing vicarious trauma is the most I can do.
How can we organize as voters and use our voting powers to help these children out? Just how can we go and help free these children?
Please let me know if you are able to figure out a way to help these children.
Thank you! Bless you! May the Lord continue to bless you!