With so much violence and division in the world today, it is not surprising to hear that traumatic experiences are on the uptick. In fact, the subject has become so top-of-mind that the CNN network Headline News has begun promoting a new empowering trauma docuseries called Rise.
Produced and starring life coach Cheryl Hunter, it profiles one person per episode and delves into traumatic events that have shattered their lives. The good news (as the title insinuates) is that these individuals were able to “rise” above their challenges and are helping others do the same. Hunter, herself, is a trauma survivor, having endured both a kidnapping and a rape at the hands of a stranger.
Hunter was recently interviewed for Forbes, where she delved into the current climate and why trauma counseling is so important in the modern era.
“Unfortunately, the state of the world today routinely includes shootings at schools and places of worship, natural disasters and terrorist threats,” Hunter told the site. “People reach out to me regularly asking how those closely impacted by recent tragedies make it through and how we all can make it through our own deeply trying times, collectively. That’s a good question. What we’re seeing today, I think, is a cumulative awakening to the fact that we are all in this together. It may not look that way at first glance; in fact, many insist that we’re more polarized than we’ve ever been. I don’t see it that way. I’m witnessing a groundswell of people speaking up and giving voice to their pain. I’m witnessing people listening to different points of view than their own because there are too many people speaking up to be ignored any longer.”
Hunter’s website offers all 12 episodes in their entirety. Real people are sharing their stories about overcoming violence, paralysis, kidnaps and much more. You can watch a glimpse below in the official Rise trailer.
We too understand how ravaging a traumatic experience can be and applaud Cheryl for using channels like YouTube and CNN to help offer support to survivors. Let it be known, though, that PTSD is not just an outcome of a violent attack. Abusive relationships and workplace ordeals can just as easily lead to these emotions.
We encourage anyone struggling with a difficult emotional hurdle to reach out. Support is always available.