An NGO, ‘Jeb Foundation’ has called for more awareness on trauma healing among the citizens in Kaduna State.
Elizabeth Laurence, the Coordinator of the organisation, disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Kaduna.
She said the awareness was important as many people are dying silently daily.
Laurence said,” We are celebrating mental health month and we are focusing on trauma to make people understand that there is help.
” A lot of people are traumatized and we should all come out and be advocates so we can fight this mental illness because it is an epidemic.”
She said that trauma was a result of emotionally painful or abusive experiences and it ranges from something like a physical accident to emotional abuse.
Laurence said, The spectrum of what can generate a traumatic response is quite wide, and so the process of healing can look different for everyone.
”Trauma is associated with significant events such as physical or sexual assault, violence, or accidents.
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‘But it can also involve responses to repeated events, like ongoing emotional abuse or childhood neglect.”
According to her, trauma can affect many areas of one’s life, including emotional, social, and physical well-being.
“Traumatic events can happen at any age and have lasting effects on one’s physical and mental well-being.
”Each person’s experience is unique, but there are common causes, and many people share some symptoms of post-traumatic stress, like anxiety, flashbacks, and sleep disruption.
”With proper treatment and social support — especially through trauma therapy many people can overcome these negative effects, experience an improved quality of life, and move toward healing,” Laurence added.
According to her, there are 12 trauma centres in the state and one recovery centre, which most people are not aware of.
She said, ” People don’t really know that we have 12 traumatic centers and one recovery center here in the state.
” You don’t have to pay much money and the recovery center can keep you for six months..”
Laurence added that though recovery from trauma was not easy, it was still possible.
”Trauma-focused psychotherapy is one of the most effective things you can do for recovery.
“With proper treatment and social support — especially through trauma therapy many people can overcome these negative effects, experience an improved quality of life, and move toward healing.. (NAN)
