PAIN is real but so is hope. Almost everyone experience something traumatic - it could be manmade or natural disasters.
Common traumatic incidents are:
- Physically, emotionally or sexually abused
- Rejected and abandoned
- Bullied
- Loss of a loved one (through separation/break-up or death)
- Earthquakes , typhoons
- Physical pain (accidents)
- Wars, terrorism
- Imprisoned
Traumatic events may cause physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological harm. People respond to trauma in different ways. Some can move forward right away but many become detached and depress. Some will be denial.
These reactions are normal to an abnormal situation.
However, after a few weeks when the things are not back to “normal,” there might be a problem.
It is recommended that after a disaster, health workers will provide psychological first aid (PFA) to the survivors. PFA is an evidence informed approach in assisting these survivors. This can allow them to share what they need and to prevent a mental disorder, thus giving them hope.
There are many who were not able to get assistance after their experience. Like for abused cases, many were threatened not to tell anyone. Fear was instilled in them. Others did not know where to go and ask for help. They suffered in silence. Some are still suffering.
Everyone is encouraged to give these survivors hope by:
- Giving them encouragement (becoming a cheerleader)
- Telling them about second chances
- Thinking positive
- Being there for them
- Bringing them to a psychologist or psychiatrist for proper care
- Encouraging them to talk about it.
Hold on, pain ends. As long as your heart is beating, there is hope.