Dear MDECOE and greater community,
Trauma due to the pandemic may likely cause a widespread mental health challenge. When felt on the community level, people may question the future as a whole. The first step to addressing trauma is recognizing the existence of trauma, according to psychiatrist Dr. Julian Lagoy. “The current COVID-19 pandemic has qualities that qualify as a traumatic experience, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as it takes a physical and emotional toll on many people.” According to Lagoy, one of the indicators of STSD trauma “is seeing the world as a dangerous place. And the current pandemic has caused that fear in a large portion of the population. Some people during this pandemic feel more on guard or unsafe, have an increase in negative thoughts and feelings, and have problems with sleep and concentration — also symptoms of PTSD trauma.” Lagoy says it’s important to view the current pandemic through the lens of trauma as we take care of ourselves, our families, and our children. “Because one day, the pandemic will end — and we all need to be healthy enough to move forward from there.” To read more, please go to
For a list of many self-care options, please see our College of Education self-care website for resources for faculty, staff, students, and the community:
https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/self-care/articles-information-self-care
Let’s work together to take care of ourselves and each other.
Warmly,
Shari