Politics and Trauma

         David Eby, our BC premier, made an interesting comment today when he said words to the effect that if you want to see Canadians fight, question our sovereignty. This was of course in regards to our current on-again, off-again trade war with the US.

          With my limited education in psychology, I’m finding the current political situation fascinating and I find myself thinking back to Gabor Maté’s teachings on trauma and trauma responses. Maté points out that when adults are in traumatic situations, they have the gut instinct options of fighting back or escaping by running away. Children, on the other hand, employ a third strategy. They freeze. This is a successful strategy for small animals because the predator chasing them doesn’t see them and moves on.

          It seems that Canadians in general, and some of our premiers and prime minister in particular, have chosen the adult response of fighting back. There is no freezing in fear or running away happening here. In fact, Canadians have largely embraced fighting for their sovereignty by turning their backs on American products and services. We’re fighting for our sovereignty and proving David Eby right.

          Is the current political situation giving you stress? Are you feeling anxious or worried? Feel free to comment below.