How to tell (and repair) a trauma
The article explores how to narrate and address trauma, advocating for a balanced approach that avoids extremes of silence or excessive detail.
The article discusses the complexities of narrating trauma as explained by psychiatrist Lucía del Río in her book 'Un abrazo al dolor'. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding extremes while recounting traumatic experiences—neither suppressing the truth in silence nor overwhelming listeners with unnecessary details. Through thoughtful storytelling, the aim is to transform accounts of pain into narratives of dignity and resilience.
Del Río points out that trauma often gets trapped in a destructive narrative cycle characterized by a dichotomy of silence versus excessive talking. Secrets can take various forms, involving families, institutions, and individuals who are expected to protect children but instead perpetuate silence. Such secrecy becomes a burden that individuals, especially victims of violence, carry, impacting their ability to express their experiences and recover from them.
Ultimately, the article underscores the role of conscious and considerate communication in the healing process. By promoting open dialogue about trauma, it fosters an environment where victims can reclaim their voices, valuing their dignity over prolonged suffering. This approach not only benefits individuals but also challenges the cultural and institutional narratives that contribute to the problem.