Anxieties From the Unrest Can Generate Hope

Many of us immigrants from Latin American countries have come to the United States for similar reasons, some fleeing repressive political regimes that contribute to social injustice and violence, others seeking to improve our economic situation in a society that promises opportunity and equality for all.

Suddenly, with the recent Los Angeles riots, all of this was shattered, and we were once again confronted with familiar feelings: the horror, the fear, the panic, the pain and a sense of impotence.

For some, the violent deaths, the beatings and the curfews are synonymous with a past that had been left behind. The rioting has rekindled those traumas, igniting them even more intensely.

The psychological effects of these incidents are varied: The reaction may be one of shock, with its attendant symptoms, either as anguish, anxiety or decreased interest in diverse activities or a lack of concentration. The effects may also include nightmares, in which traumatic events are experienced again and again.

The social revolt has also induced in us a state of mourning. It can entail mourning for real losses such as lives, jobs, property and more symbolic losses, such as trust, confidence, respect, and hope.

Those real losses can affect the way individuals relate to society, manifested through an increase in mistrust, in rage, in the need for someone to blame, and in the feelings of hopelessness that often surface as apathy.

Those more symbolic losses are a matter of personal psychology. Solutions here are individual, such as differentiating between real and irrational fears, talking with family or friends as often as may be necessary about one’s feelings, since expressing one’s emotions performs a healing function. It is important for affected persons to know where to get psychological help and to avoid becoming absorbed in negative thoughts.

None of us can afford to be branded as indolent or indifferent, to say nothing of becoming “scapegoats.” That is why, as a community, we owe it to ourselves to enhance our image and convey an identity deserving of respect and pride. On a personal level, it means losing the fear of speaking out and actively participating in the political process by becoming citizens and registering to vote.

On a group level, it means helping with rebuilding projects, promoting discussions and neighborhood meetings to find practical solutions to problems caused by isolation, lack of familiarity with the system and the shortage of positive role models.

If you have a useful idea for your community, don’t keep it to yourself. Do something about it and get in touch with a city council member or supervisor for your district, your parish priest or your legislative representatives. Offer your suggestions and remember that “where there are two, power grows.”

Cantor is a family therapist with a private practice in Pasadena .