On October 16, a bomb took the life of Daphne Caruana Galizia, shaking the psychological foundations of our country to the core.
It was not a private affair, experienced only by her family and friends, but rather an event marked by diverse reactions from across the population, undeniably having a negative impact on the psyche of our nation. This was not coherent with the code of a humane world, of a humane Malta.
What makes traumatic events so distressing is that they violate many of the basic assumptions people have about themselves and the world they know, very often shaking their ‘safe world’ theory.
Several theorists have proposed that people hold deeply-ingrained beliefs that the world is benevolent and meaningful, and that the self is worthy of a serene life. These beliefs offer individuals a sense of security and invulnerability, instilling predictability and coherence in their lives. Traumas and other adverse events profoundly challenge these beliefs. For many, the murder of Ms Caruana Galizia shattered the serenity and peace of mind they once experienced. For others, anger prompted them to take to the streets in protest. Others chose to remain silent, or indifferent, their internalised emotions perhaps having had some impact on their day-to-day functioning regardless.
One thing is certain: things have not been the same since that Monday.
The psychosocial impact of the bombing went beyond simple distress and heightened vulnerability. It brought reactions of anger, political intolerance and changes in patterns of behaviour nationally. The murder constituted both a collective upheaval and a directly experienced, individual trauma for many.
On some level, this event marks a national crisis, not only of a sociopolitical nature but a deep and personal psychological crisis. In its aftermath is a collective trauma that needs healing. Loss of life in such a brutal and public manner is always cause for devastation for a nation. It leaves people feeling insecure and ignites fear that they too may lose a loved one or be harmed.
Mental health professionals saw clients who needed support to cope with their reactions
The psychological effects of such a shocking event spread far wider than most would imagine. In the days following the incident, many mental health and caring professionals encountered patients and clients who needed support to cope with their reactions. Some reported insomnia, heightened aggression and restlessness. Others anxiety and a heightened sense of vulnerability. Some even felt signs and symptoms of depression and bereavement. Many still report an inability to stop thinking about the event, and some have even described feeling anxious getting into their own car. It has been the topic of conversation in every household and store.
These symptoms are reminiscent of post-traumatic stress and commonplace on a national level following such a tragic event. The question is: how do we cope personally and as a nation? How do we move towards healing? First, it is important to take time out to reflect on this event, speaking only from a place of centred awareness. It is important to discuss one’s feelings about the event – less so to have an opinion – and to create a support system of those who can understand and share in one’s experience.
Then comes the importance of making meaning. Viktor Frankl postulated that those who manage to retain a sense of meaning in a chaotic time are the most likely to adjust well, retaining a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Searching for meaning often involves seeking answers to questions such as: “Why did this event happen to us?” This question has been tackled on a large scale by many pressure groups and by people in the street, and this in itself is a proactive way of coping and seeking healing. The need for closure is a basic psychological mechanism we all seek in our own ways. There are small things we can do to ensure we start to facilitate psychological healing on a personal level. It is important to regain some semblance of normality, to continue with one’s routine and engage oneself in joyful activities. It is also important to eat well, make healthy lifestyle choices, establish a good work-life balance, avoid toxin intake and get enough sleep and exercise. It is imperative to be creative. One does not have to be an artist to express oneself creatively; we must be the creators of our own lives. Spend time in nature, live mindfully (present in the moment), try new things, whatever your age.
Every bereavement or trauma has its own natural life cycle and will take its own time to process. For each person, a different rhythm and way of healing will occur.
It is important that we become increasingly tolerant and empathic in such times. We need collective solutions, a healing of the psychological foundations. The field of anger and fear has to be transformed to a field of trust and love. We have to do this with all our strength, in collaboration with all peace groups, pressure groups, authorities and politicians alike.
We have the freedom and the task to build a better world, and perhaps, more than ever, it is now time for us to unite as a people, preventing a further traumatisation of our nation and our children, and to prevent the further disintegration of mind and spirit. We are all, in our own way, responsible for paving the way towards health and the psychological development of our future generations.
Cher V. Laurenti Engerer is PRO of the Malta Chamber of Psychologists.