Trauma and the Written Word

As a person who has been through something traumatic-we may often look to writing, as an outlet, for emotions we believe inexplicable or unjustified to the world around us, to express our frustration on how the people around as-can rarely seem to comprehend the impact an event(s) had on us. Expressing how we feel following an event, could feel relieving-as though, something heavy in our heart just lost a little of its weight. At 7Cups, within the Trauma Community, We have our very own Journalling sub-forum wherein members can find a safe place to express all that they wish to.

Switching sides, as someone who has only recently begun reading posts in the Sub-Community, I can imagine as to how knowing of someone who has been through an experience and feels similarly, can provide a sense of solace and companionship. Reading through their posts, in the most unexpected parts, you may find validation for what you feel. Books, and more so, biographies of people who have experienced distressing incidents-may have a similar effect.

Away from the intriguing world of biopics-genres like fiction and short stories have shown to immensely help children in war-stricken areas of the world, and feel traumatized. In imagining a storyline being narrated-you are also able to subconsciously describe parts of it, in a manner that you choose to.

To a lot of people, reading can be a reminder of an activity they used to do prior to an event that changed them, and a symbol of an act that may remain possible in the present. That being said, it is important to remember that reading is not the easiest thing to do-when you have faced an event that affects you immensely. It is well-recorded that those who have experienced a traumatic event, can find it hard to focus while reading. (Read more about it here)

In an effort that may help you gain a sense of community-if you are a person looking to get back to reading, or are an avid-reader, @24Help1 and @Aurora33 are coordinating on a Book Club (under the SHR Sub-Community). The details for it can be found here!

Are you interested in joining the club, or would like to add to this post, on your experience with reading?

Please feel free to reply to this post and share your thoughts-I am reading them!