Undoubtedly, we are in a time of great change…more than many believe. I thought I would take some time to write about what happens when what we believed to be true is challenged. There is the initial shock and then the processing of that truth.
What is truth?
Truth is being in accord with fact or reality. The truth we believe helps shape our reality. It is opposite of falsehood or lies.
Our truths are based upon our values, our experiences, and external influences (such as media). According to Nick Burton, MD, “a thing is more likely to be true if it fits comfortably into a large and coherent system of belief…truth is an attitude, a way of being in the world.”
When we are confronted with a lie or truth that conflicts of what we believe to be truth it can cause ‘emotional shock’?
What is emotional shock? It is your mind and body’s way of processing difficult experiences and it will take time to get through it.
As the NHS says in their guide “Understanding Reactions to Traumatic Events’,
After experiencing or witnessing a frightening or traumatic event it is common for people to experience strong physical feelings and emotions and/or to find that they are behaving differently. This may happen straight away or for some people it may be several weeks or months later that reactions occur. These are normal and for the majority of people they start to fade and settle down within a few months.”
One should seek a professional help if you noticed the following:
1. You feel afraid.
2. You cannot think straight.
3. You are experiencing physical side effects.
4. You feel strangely exhausted.
5. You are all over the place with your thoughts.
6. You feel like and are acting like some else entirely.
7. Things just seem, well…pointless.
8. You may be experiencing physical symptoms (such as anxiety, heart palpations, etc.)
Most importantly, you need to be gentle with yourself.
Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth. –Thoreau