Submitted by : Walking Through Grief Society – 780-846-2576/780-871-1750
When we look at our place is our community the question is “What is our business and what isn’t?” When events or incidences occur, we may feel inclined to share information via social media, making it our business. However, we must consider the impact of our actions when we make the decision to share information. With one “share” click, we make something our business and also make it open to others viewing it as well. Consequently, this makes it their business as well. Consider the following prior to sharing information:
What is our business? – Responding to Accidents/Incidents
If an accident has occurred and you are first on scene, use your technology to make it your business to help and call 9-1-1. If you notice that someone is lost, is having a mental health issue, is lying on a street injured or any other incident that impacts our normal day, these are also examples of when we can make something our business and call for help. While it may feel helpful to share our experiences with a social platform, we must consider how sharing the information may impact privacy of others. It also might unknowingly cause experiences of secondary trauma.
If pictures of accidents and incidents are shared via social media, the descriptions and pictures viewed may led to secondary trauma. You may not have been at a scene but the picture that you view or the story that is shared puts you and others in a position of experiencing it in a secondary manner. Siegfried and Conrad (2008) described possible symptoms of secondary trauma to include “extended fatigue, illnesses, cynicism, irritability, reduced productivity, feelings of hopelessness, anger, despair, sadness, feelings of reexperiencing the event, nightmares, anxiety, avoidance of people or activities, persistent anger or sadness." Therefore, it is very important to slow down prior to sharing information and remember to think about:
· Those who are family or close friends
· Those who have had past experience that is similar and the triggers created.
· Those whose personality causes them to identify with.
If you or someone you know may have been impacted by responding to accidents/incidents or who may be experiencing secondary trauma, there are several ways to seek support and counselling, such as, Alberta and Saskatchewan Mental Health, Counsellors, Walking Through Grief Society, friends, or clergy support.
What is our business? – Sharing in Grief
When you see changes in relationships with a friend or find them isolating following an experience of grift, it is your business to continue to be there. You may choose to call, to visit, to go for a walk, or to just sit with them and encourage and give hope. LISTEN to their story.
When someone you know is grieving a loss and you don’t know what to say try “I am here for you” and then truly be there for them. Listen with your heart and not just your ears. Don’t say “I know how you feel.” Seek to understand them and their journey and say so. In these cases, it can be your business to provide support.
May this month see you as a Good Samaritan and Friend to someone.
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