07/16/2025
“Why does it hurt so much when it didn’t happen to me?”
If you’ve been asking yourself that lately, you’re not alone.
The recent floods in Texas have left a deep, collective grief. Even if you weren’t directly impacted, the weight of this tragedy—the loss of children, families, and entire communities—can stir something profound.
Feeling shaken, heartbroken, or heavy after a tragedy is a natural response. It shows your capacity for empathy and connection. But sometimes the weight lingers, and you may even feel guilty for returning to “normal” life.
Vicarious trauma can mimic PTSD—intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or constant worry—and may interfere with sleep, relationships, or daily life.
If distress is making it hard to focus, keep up with responsibilities, or care for yourself, it’s important to seek help.
If this resonates, my latest blog post dives deeper into:
⚖️ Normal response to tragedy vs. vicarious trauma
🗣️ How to talk to kids about tragedy
🫶 Gentle ways to care for yourself
🤝 Resources to help those directly impacted
Click the link in bio to read more.
You deserve care, too. Save this post to revisit when you need it, and share it with someone who might need this reminder today.
