Tonight’s episode of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit has caused a great deal of concern to some fans of the show, many of whom are also supporters of the Joyful Heart Foundation. We acknowledge and recognize that the decision to cast Mike Tyson may be confusing, triggering and perhaps even painful for some people–especially those who are survivors of violence and abuse.

We understand how difficult it can be to make sense of this choice, especially since the show has often been seen as a source of support and empowerment to many survivors. The effects of trauma in the mind, body and spirit are complex and can bring up different trauma reminders that are unique to us. That is, our responses to trauma can vary by individual.

In general, when we interact with our environment, it can awaken memories of a past experience—your own or a loved one’s—that can affect us in the moment. We would like to provide you with resources that can support you at this time and in your broader healing process.

Begin by checking-in with yourself. Do an analysis of how your mind and body feel—what emotions are you feeling? Are you experiencing thoughts or memories related to your own or a loved one’s trauma? Are you feeling tension in your body or are you holding your breath? Common bodily responses to trauma include tension, fear, anger, sadness and maybe even feeling unsafe. Remind yourself that what you are experiencing is a common response to your own experience of a traumatic event. If you are feeling in any way unsafe, create a safety plan such as calling a friend or talking to your therapist if you have one. Having a good source of support can make a difference in your healing process.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact:

Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network at
1 (800) 656-4673 / www.rainn.org

or National Domestic Violence Hotline at
1 (800) 799-7233 / www.ndvh.org

or National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at
1 (866) 331-9474 / www.loveisrespect.org

or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
1 (800) 273-8255 / www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

Allow your feelings to exist and be gentle with yourself as you process them. It is common for us to feel shame or guilt for feeling a certain way or for having a certain response, such as crying. As you allow your feelings to surface, it can be easier to cope with them.

There are other creative and helpful ways of addressing your thoughts and feelings about this situation such as talking, journaling, drawing or making a collage. These coping strategies can be helpful in creating insight about your own traumatic experience and healing path. Additionally, creating daily practices that involve exercise, relaxation or breathing exercises can help you release tension from your mind and body and reduce stress.

The coping tools described above are just a few ideas that can assist you in developing your own healing practices. If you’d like to explore even more possible approaches, here are some additional articles that might be of use:

Of course, you know yourself best, so if you don’t see something that feels like it would be helpful, we invite you to explore a different idea at your own pace. Take the time to practice some of these strategies and find the ones that work for you as only you know what will be most helpful.