We Have All Been Victims of Injustice
We have all fallen prey to injustice at some point in our lives. That is, unless, you have chosen to extricate yourself from society, preferring to live on a fully supplied secluded tropical island. But then again why would anyone want to extricate themselves from human contact and communication if they didn’t experience disconnect caused by injustice in some shape or form?
It may have been a relatively minor injustice or one involving having to lose the possessions that you have worked for all your life just to pay the legal costs of defending yourself, even after you have been falsely accused of a crime and convicted. But the perception of injustice, no matter how major or minor, is still the same – it’s real. It is a perception that then forms the foundations of our belief systems thereinafter.
Compassion Is Key
One of the ugliest behaviours I have seen in people is their lack of compassion for another fellow human being, or even worse when their lack of humanness is justified under the guise of compassion and support. Injustice, even perceptions of injustice seems to be at the heart of much anger and anxiety. Even the very, very old (12th century) philosopher, Anselm de Canterbury described this construct of injustice as a state of mind that demanded retribution. This demand or intense desire for retribution can become all-encompassing.
Psychologists and psychosocial researchers are keen to understand more about the role of persecution and injustice in modern society.
How can afflicted individuals begin the recovery process?
The negative effects of injustice may always be felt by both the victim and the victimizer. One feels the negative effects in real time and for a long time and the other will feel the effects over time, even if it is indirectly by the sequelae of the victimization.
One of the most difficult tests facing those who feel an injustice is the recovery process, especially
when one is replete with losses. These losses may include, and certainly not limited to, the loss of
employment, the loss of financial security, loss of mobility and in some instances a loss of personal
identity and loss of a life they once knew and treasured. Particularly so in situations where one has
suffered an injury as a result of someone else’s incompetence or negligence. Post-injury life for that
person may include a continuing feeling of injustice.
Give Yourself Time
Recovering from injustice can take a considerable amount of time because the reality is that no one is ever fully prepared to deal with it, especially when we are blindsided by the event. One then is propelled into the cycle of grief. Feeling angry, bemused, depressed, and/or some even begin to question their faith. This is all very ‘normal’ so never deprive yourself of experiencing these feelings.
The world continues to spin on its axis and life does actually go on, just in a different way to the one we were used to. Grief is part of the coping process and we ALL need to go through this process if we are to properly and successfully reach a point of recovery.
Taking Control and Moving Forward
Recovery doesn’t have to involve revenge when you have been the victim of injustice. What it may mean is that you accept that – all you can control is the way you feel and the way you choose to move forward. It doesn’t have anything to do with retribution. The best retribution is to be happy, wiser and far more independent than ever before. You will feel a sense of liberation from the negative emotions others’ actions have imposed on you. Maybe the universe has other plans for you. You won’t know if you are ‘bogged down’ in a grieving process that is fuelled by the desire of reprisal.
Can Therapy Help You Heal?
The first part of the recovery process is wanting to become ‘unstuck’ – so when you are alone in a broken down car and you want to get to your next destination, do you just sit there hoping the car will
miraculously get unstuck or are you going to call someone to assist you who has the tools to get you
out of that hole?
If you feel you are ‘stuck’ about something in your life, don’t hesitate to contact Anne by emailing info@wellbeingtherapyspace.com.au.
Authored by Dr. Anne Angelkovska
