The last couple of weeks have been a tumultuous and dramatic saga unfolding in front of our eyes as the world watches the Brett Kavanaugh hearings. Not only has it been comical with shows like Saturday Night Live bringing in Matt Damon to poke fun at it, but it has also caused quite a stir with many of the #MeToo victims who have been saying that watching the events have resurfaced a lot of the pain and agony they have had to endure over the years.
In a recent article from VOX, therapists have been reporting that many of their clients are calling in and requesting emergency therapy sessions because the hearings are bringing up old wounds and traumatic experiences that are causing them a great deal of suffering.
In fact, the National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center Medical University conducted a study that many victims suffer from PTSD and are having to deal with depression, anxiety, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, alcohol or drug problems, and suicidal thoughts.
Kavanaugh Hearings Ignite #WhyIDidntReport Victims
The article goes on to say that some therapists have been reporting that many of their clients who have had to deal with these types of assaults in their past are having to process a lot of pain and suffering as their suppressed rage and feelings of helplessness are resurfacing. For many of these victims, they have coped with these situations for over forty years by avoiding and ignoring the situation hoping that they could move on with their life as if nothing had happened.
But with the women who are coming forth in the Kavanaugh hearings share their experiences, they can no longer ignore these emotions that have been causing them so much pain for so long.
Diane Petrella, a Rhode Island-based psychotherapist and life coach who has been helping her clients address their emotions through this whole ordeal said the following: “What’s happening now is similar to #MeToo in that it raises the never-ending controversy about why sexual assault victims don’t come forward sooner.
It’s somewhat different because of the political forces at play and the possibility of Kavanaugh having a position of greater power over victims’ lives should he be confirmed. The stakes are high.”
One of the most difficult situations many of these women have had to face through this process is that there are many men in our government who are still standing up for Kavanaugh even though there is a great deal of evidence pointing to the fact that he did it.
As the victims watch the hearings, not only are they having to deal with the pain that is caused as their emotions are being resurfaced, but they also have to deal with the anger that they feel as they watch more men in power stick by each other's side and ignore these allegations.
How To Cope With The Kavanaugh Hearing In A Healthy Manner
Because so many women are having to face their pain as they watch more women come forward with more allegations, suggestions have been made to help them deal with these matters in a healthy and constructive way which include:
1. Spend Time Alone
It’s important to take time for yourself so that you can process your emotions in a positive manner.
2. Limit Media Viewing
While it is healthy to watch some of these hearings as its important to not avoid them entirely, do not spend so much time watching them that they send you into a downward spiral.
3. Avoid Polarizing Political Arguments
Getting into a heated debate with someone that has no intention of being open-minded will only trigger your frustration causing you more pain.
4. Challenge Your Self-Attacking Thoughts
Many victims tend to blame themselves or brush these experiences off as “no big deal”. It’s important to not take these things personally and blame yourself for them.
5. Remind Yourself You Were Violated
What your attacker did was not only wrong, but it was a crime. While it is healthy to let go and forgive, it's also necessary that you remind yourself that they did something wrong to you.
6. Get Political & Take Action
If you truly feel passionate about what happened to you, use that energy as a fuel to drive you to make political change.
