Aug 21, 2024
This week marks the 1,945th anniversary of the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24, 79 AD, which buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii under layers of ash, smoke, and lava. During my visit to Pompeii last summer, I stood amidst the ruins, reflecting on the immense loss and the haunting preservation of lives frozen in time. This historical event serves as a powerful metaphor for understanding the impact of sudden trauma on mental health.
The eruption of Vesuvius was unexpected, mirroring how traumatic events can strike individuals without warning. Whether a natural disaster, an act of violence, or a sudden loss, the initial shock can overwhelm a person’s mental defenses, much like the citizens of Pompeii were overwhelmed by falling ash. For instance, after a gunman opened fire at a 4th of July parade in my husband’s hometown, we felt the lingering effects when we visited months later, grappling with the emotional aftermath of such violence.
Just as Pompeii was buried under volcanic material, individuals often suppress their emotions following trauma. This can lead to conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The weight of unprocessed trauma can feel as suffocating as the ash that enveloped the city.
Archaeologists have meticulously unearthed Pompeii, revealing the lives of its inhabitants. Similarly, healing from trauma involves uncovering and addressing buried emotions and memories. Therapy can guide individuals in exploring these hidden parts of themselves, promoting understanding and healing.
The story of Pompeii highlights human resilience. Despite the destruction, the excavation has provided invaluable insights into ancient life. Acknowledging and learning from traumatic experiences can foster personal growth. Just as Pompeii’s ruins tell a story of life before the disaster, individuals can find strength in their experiences, learning to navigate life with renewed resilience.
Understanding and processing trauma is necessary for recovery. Two effective therapeutic techniques often employed are Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Both modalities provide unique approaches to healing.
EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages patients to focus on trauma memories while experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which can reduce the emotional intensity of those memories.
Benefits of EMDR:Rapid Relief: Many patients report significant improvements in a short time.Non-Invasive: EMDR allows patients to avoid detailed recounting of their trauma, making it less distressing.Long-Lasting Effects: Research indicates that the benefits of EMDR are sustained over time.
CBT, in contrast, focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It operates on the principle that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected; modifying negative thoughts can lead to positive changes.
Benefits of CBT:Evidence-Based: CBT is one of the most researched therapies, with strong evidence supporting its effectiveness.Skill-Building: Patients gain practical skills that can be applied long after therapy ends.Versatile: CBT can be adapted for individual or group therapy, and even self-help formats.
Both EMDR and CBT have unique strengths and can complement each other in trauma therapy. By combining these approaches, therapists can provide comprehensive care that addresses both the emotional and cognitive aspects of trauma, helping individuals move toward healing and resilience. Just as archaeologists carefully unearth the history of Pompeii, therapists guide individuals through the exploration of their trauma, leading to deeper understanding and recovery.
Reflecting on our visit to Pompeii last summer, I was reminded of how this ancient city, despite its tragic history, embodies the resilience of humanity. It illustrates that growth can occur even after difficult experiences, highlighting the potential for recovery that exists within us all. Nature is finicky, like the recent surprise hydrothermal eruption at Yellowstone National Park, and the wildfires in Jasper, Alberta, which my family and I experienced this summer, ( more on that next week). This further remind us of life’s unpredictability and the strength we can discover in the face of adversity.
If you find yourself grappling with trauma, know that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. I am here to support you in uncovering your own resilience and finding the path to healing.