The diagram is designed to depict the context within which we operate in both our personal and professional lives. It serves as a structured framework for considering the various stressors and supports that affect us, recognizing that these factors can differ significantly from person to person.
At the core of the diagram is the individual, representing each of us. Surrounding the individual are layers representing different aspects of their environment, both physical and psychological. The arrangement of these layers indicates their proximity to the individual, with those closer having a more significant impact, though this can vary depending on individual circumstances.
Each layer contains factors that may influence how working with traumatic material affects an individual, either positively, negatively, or minimally. These factors can provide support or contribute to stress depending on the individual's experiences within each layer.
Furthermore, the stressors and supports within each layer are not static; they evolve and vary depending on what is happening in our lives.
Some cultures differ in that they operate with a mentality of collective survival. Different ideas and actions emerge as a result. They prioritize the group, whether it be a family or a tribe. This is evident during crises and wars when individuals sacrifice themselves for the safety of their threatened relatives or the families of their siblings. These are noble feelings that defy description.
However, what if societal authority is stronger and more dominant, requiring strict obedience from everyone? Failure to comply may result in the loss of one's social status. The importance of recognition cannot be denied, especially if it originates from the community in which one resides.
In such cases, social authority or customs dictate the behaviour of everyone, superseding all interpersonal relationships, including individual needs. We observe certain groups that adhere to rigid rules; they teach the children that social laws must be followed any dissent or attempt to assert individual importance leads to swift exclusion and ostracization from the group.
Similarly, some families, particularly large ones, foster a dangerous collective survival mentality, especially among children who imbibe these values, which later prove detrimental to their lives.
As these individuals mature and begin to contemplate their personal needs, they may find themselves disconnected from their own identity, neglecting resources that could enhance their lives. Their focus remains on others, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
This sense of alienation persists until they receive the necessary assistance. I have encountered many individuals who suffer due to this ingrained mindset, witnessing the profound anguish they experience when reflecting on their own needs. They grapple with remorse and self-deprecation, as their awareness is confined to specific information, creating a hellish existence.
For them, saying "no" is taboo; they lack privacy and self-awareness, unaware of their strengths or how to leverage them to improve their lives. They excel at caring for others but struggle to prioritize themselves and make their own lives easier, better, and more meaningful.
Safaa Al Mokdad
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