The world in which children are ripped apart from their parents for running away from war and torture, a world in which the US pulls out of the UN Human Rights Council, a world in which children are being put into concentration camps and workers aren’t allowed to comfort them needs Superheroes now more than ever.
Nearly 23 years ago my family and I came to the United States as refugees, seeking protection from violence and anti-Semitism back in our country. We were scared, we didn’t speak English, we didn’t know what would happen to us once we arrived, but we were together. I was 12 years old and cannot imagine what would have happened if we were forcibly separated from one another or put into concentration camps as a punishment for seeking refuge from violence.
I am now a citizen, a doctor, a psychologist. I specialize in treating people with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who had experienced a traumatic event (or in many cases, many traumatic events) and are struggling with coping with these events. PTSD can often coexist with other disorders, such as depression, substance use, anxiety and panic disorders, chronic pain disorders, such as migraines, as well as other types of chronic illness. People who have had traumatic experiences in their childhood, where they were not able to receive secure attachment and care by their parents, are far more likely to develop physical and mental illness in subsequent years, as well as in adulthood. By separating children from their parents, by not allowing staff to comfort the children, by not allowing siblings to hold one another, we are creating an environment which can very likely lead to severe trauma for both the children and their parents.
This is child abuse. This is an example of human torture. This is wrong in every sense of being wrong.
For the past few weeks I have felt helpless, overwhelmed with grief and anger, and devastated about these horrific actions. However, a recent Pixar film, The Incredibles, has inspired me to seek action.
Without many spoilers, The Incredibles 2 shows a world in which Superheroes (or Supers) are now “illegal” and must go into hiding. However, the Incredibles aren’t willing to give up. They find a way to stand up to injustice together, as a family, eventually joining forces with other Superheroes.
This film was a great reminder about the fact that we can always do something. Like The Incredibles, we too can bond together, as a family, as a country, as the world, and stand up to this injustice. Here are some Incredible steps we can take to help:
- Share on social media. It does help. It allows more and more people to see that this is an important issue
- Call the Capitol: 202-224-3121, ask to speak to your representative (or another politician if you’d like). You don’t have to know who your representative is before you call. You can enter your zip code and you’ll be connected. You can leave a message, stating that you support the Keep Families Together Act and ask your representative to support it too. It takes 2 minutes and it will make a difference
- Attend rallies. There is a strength in numbers. Show your support to politicians and refugees. Show what you stand for.
- Vote. When it comes time to election in November 6 , make sure you go out to vote. It does count and it will make a difference.
- Donate to organizations such as RAICES, which provide free support for immigrants and refugees
- Take care of yourself and connect with others. Have conversations with others, don’t keep to yourself.
- Remember that you’re not alone, we are all in this together. And together we will make this right.
Janina Scarlet, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a scientist, and a full-time geek. A Ukrainian-born refugee, she survived Chernobyl radiation and persecution. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 12 with her family and later, inspired by the X-Men, developed Superhero Therapy to help patients with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She has written multiple publications on this topic and has given talks domestically and internationally. She authored Superhero Therapy, Harry Potter Therapy, Therapy Quest, Dark Agents, and has contributed to a number of pop culture psychology books, such as Star Wars Psychology, Supernatural Psychology, Game of Thrones Psychology, and many others. Scarlet currently works as a clinical psychologist at the Center for Stress and Anxiety Management in San Diego, CA.
If you would like to learn more about Superhero Therapy, contact Dr. Janina Scarlet on Twitter, Facebook, or Patreon.
