Who am I to write about trauma? I’m not a psychology or social work professional, I’m not even in a related field. Even as an ethusiastic amateur, I struggle to read the scientific journal articles about this area. I do seem to read a lot of books which are more accessible than peer reviewed articles but considering the furore over the latest Johann Hari book I’m not confident how sound those books are any more. These were the thoughts going through my head last week. Was it dangerous for me to even be putting out writing publicly?
Then I realised, who am I NOT to write about trauma? I am someone who thinks about this issue deeply and I worry about it and this is my attempt to help in some way. If all I do is start a conversation about this area then I’ve done a good job. I don’t see other people discussing it and if I don’t step up then maybe it won’t get mentioned at all. Also, one of my big issues with a lot of the self help / business development type books is that they are written by white (American) men with either no caring responsibilities or a wife that picks up the slack for them. I can write and offer another viewpoint. I have insight into working through this pandemic, in the health sector, all whilst managing home and family.
Whilst not as strong as I would like them to be, I do have research skills and the PhD to prove it. I have the ability to read journal articles, even if it is difficult for me and I am capable of talking about how they relate to the reality that I see in my little corner of the health care system in 2022.
I write my little blog posts because I want to think more deeply about all the different things I’m reading. I write because I have to feel I’m not alone in wanting to care about this and wanting to make a difference. And if you’re here reading this, I’m grateful that you are coming along for the ride too.
