Page 22 - Sonoma County Gazette 11-17

[Note: Next month’s column will resume with Part Two of the new cannabis law. This month I am addressing a topic I see often in my personal injury law practice, which may be prompted by the recent fires...PTSD].
Trauma: 1. Any physical injury resulting from force. 2. A severe emotional shock having a deep e ect upon the personality.
Webster’s Dictionary o ers a rather basic de nition of trauma, yet says it all. None of us are immune from trauma. It can raise its ugly head from a childhood experience. I witness trauma often in my law practice...a horri c motor vehicle crash that leaves one paralyzed or crippled. Trauma often shows up when our veterans return from a war zone.
Peter Levine, a well-known psychological trauma theorist, views trauma not by the event, but by one’s reactions to it and the symptoms that arise. No matter the source of the trauma, as it washes through the individual’s psyche, it can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Yes, our community has been assaulted by relentless and erce res. I suspect every one of us has either been directly impacted, or knows someone whose home has been burnt to the ground or damaged (or heaven forbid, lost a loved one). Perhaps you are tired of reading and hearing about the disaster by now. That is ne. Certainly, a normal reaction. But, for those of you who wish to immerse yourself in information, I’d like to share a checklist of common symptoms of trauma, as noted by the American Psychological Association:
1. Feelings become intense and are sometimes unpredictable. Irritability, mood swings, anxiety and depression are common manifestations.
2. Flashbacks: repeated and vivid memories of the event. 3. Confusion or di culty making decisions.
4. Sleep or eating issues.
5. Fear that the emotional event will be repeated.
6. A change in interpersonal relationship skills, such as an increase in con ict or a more withdrawn and avoidant personality.
7. Physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea and chest pain.
According to Susanne Babbel, Ph.D, M.F.T., survivors of natural disasters
Apprenticeship Pilot Program
Special thanks to volunteer and Master Gardener Steve Ehrmann for taking the lead on designing the irrigation systems and for his many hours of hard work and dedication to seeing these installations through!
22 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 11/17
process, driven by paperwork that you will need to complete and provide. Invest in a binder/notebook with pockets so you can keep everything organized (or create a separate e- le on your computer so it is all in one place).
grant. The teens also helped with general garden maintenance in 5 additional gardens, with tasks such as sheet mulching, building worm bins, weeding and planting heirlooms beans.
Tip #7: Dance. Hula-Hoop. Stretch. Do Yoga. Go shing. Whatever reminds your body that it is designed to move, which may naturally lower your cortisol (stress) levels.
SGN intends to o er these great programs again, so stay tuned for more information about how to participate. Questions and comments? contact Sue Davis at schoolgardenapprenticeship@gmail.com.
Tip #8: Ask for help...those who love you want to help.
Continue to be brave and supportive, dear Sonoma County neighbors. Be
SGN is proud to report that its summer School Garden Apprenticeship pilot program was a huge success!
“normalcy” all at once.
Tip #2: Nourish your senses: Invest in a di user with your favorite essential
irrigation systems in 7 SGN a liate school gardens who received a Water Wise Mini-
intentions reconnects us to that which is meaningful.
Tip #6: Be smart when you le your insurance claim. Know it will be a long
are recommended to seek professional guidance if they su er from PTSD symptoms for more than 4-6 weeks. Time is the best healing partner. This we all know. But for those who cannot turn the corner toward healing, may I o er a few practical tips that have assisted my personal injury clients over the years (with the disclosure that I am a lawyer, not a mental health professional, so you should always seek the help of a licensed therapist if need be):
Tip #1: Start small by resuming your “normal routine”. That morning protein
shake or the quiet walk in the wood. You do not have to reconnect to
Thanks to our great partnership with Harmony Farm Supply, SGN trained and hired 8 Sonoma County high school teenagers to install automated drip
out. Cry. Talk. Cry some more. For those of us on the receiving end, our job is
oils to help relax and calm. Or walk on the beach and take in the salty breeze.
Listen to uplifting music.
Tip #3: Find a family member or friend who you trust...and pour your heart
di cult yet powerful--Listen. Just Listen.
Tip #4: Reflect and give thanks for all that you have. Gratitude is a convincing
therapist.
Tip #5: Hug a child. Your neighbor’s dog. Touch with loving and good
decisive. Our obstacles will eventually melt away, along with our collective remnants of trauma.
Debra A. Newby is a resident of Monte Rio and has practiced law for 35 years. She is a member of the California, Texas and Sonoma County bar associations and currently maintains an active law office in Santa Rosa which emphasizes personal
injury law. Debra can be reached via email (debra@newbylawoffice.com), phone (707-526-7200), or fax (526-7202).