By Rachel Robitz, Board Member
November 2024

In this election season, there has been a lot of discussion in the media about immigration. Unlike in previous election years, the discussion this year has moved beyond policy, and some politicians have made sweeping negative statements about who immigrants are. There have also been some acts of violence directed at our immigrant neighbors. At Opening Doors, we strongly believe our community is stronger and better because of our immigrant neighbors.

As a Psychiatrist and Family Physician, I have provided medical care to many refugees and immigrants as well as others from minoritized groups. I have seen the long-lasting impacts of the direct trauma that the individuals who I work with have experienced, but also the impacts of vicarious trauma.

Vicarious trauma can occur when you hear about traumatic events that have occurred to others either through their telling, seeing pictures or videos, or reading or hearing about it in the news media. I have seen the impacts of vicarious trauma on my Black colleagues, loved ones, and patients after seeing the murders of Black community members in the media. I have seen the impacts of vicarious trauma when the refugees I work with learn of the impacts of war on their loved ones in their home countries. I imagine that as we have continued through a contentious election season, particularly when immigration is discussed, our immigrant neighbors are exposed to various discussions, images, and videos that may result in vicarious trauma.

I encourage all of us to take steps to take care of ourselves throughout the election season. First, we need to recognize the impacts of vicarious trauma. Signs that you may be experiencing a response to vicarious trauma include¹:

• Feeling more tense or anxious
• Changes in sleep habits
• Irritability
• Withdrawing more from relationships
• Changes in focus or concentration
• Physical symptoms such as upset stomach, muscle pains, headaches
• Feeling more numb

If you feel that you’re experiencing a response to vicarious trauma, please take care of yourself. While Opening Doors provides many mental health services to clients participating in our programs, our community partners also offer excellent resources to help you prioritize your well-being. These include self-care strategies you can use at home, along with ways to seek professional help. Please consider checking out the following resources:

• REDA
  • Resources for self-care strategies you can use at home
  • Helpline
• MAS-SSF
  • Peer Counseling
• Turning Point Community Programs Mental Health Urgent Care
  • 24/7 Walk-in mental health services

As you navigate this challenging time, please give yourself permission to take breaks from the media. Ensure you’re eating a healthy diet, resting, and exercising regularly. This is a good time to do enjoyable things with loved ones. I would encourage you to connect to a primary care physician if you don’t already have one, and if you feel that you would benefit from any of the above resources, please reach out to them.

As we work to strengthen our community, please consider making a gift to Opening Doors so we can continue providing access to mental health support to those who need it most in our community of welcome. Your generosity helps us ensure that our immigrant and refugee neighbors feel safe, supported, and connected. Thank you for walking alongside us in this important work.

 

Reference

¹ https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/vtt/what-is-vicarious-trauma