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Trauma

Mental Health and Trauma

Mental health issues often stem from traumatic experiences, and unfortunately, Black communities are no strangers to such experiences. Across Africa, there are ongoing reports of war and atrocities, leading many to live in extreme poverty with little to no access to primary healthcare facilities. This continuous exposure to traumatic events has caused various mental health conditions to plague African communities.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Causes of PTSD 

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is the result of experiencing a life-threatening event, some of which are:

War, car accident, rape or sexual assault, racial aggression, sexism, slavery, domestic abuse, torture or witnessing someone killed. These events are typical to Africa, hence the reports of high prevalence of PTSD.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms that one could be living with are:

  • Flashbacks

  • Nightmares

  • Negative intrusive thinking

  • Sleep problems

  • Aggression

  • Impulsive, reckless behaviours

  • Poor concentration

  • Prone to addiction

  • Anxiety

  • Being easily startled

Woman displaying PTSD
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Treatment

For people living in Liberia, the chances of adequate treatment are limited. The recommended treatment in most countries are 

  • Antidepressants such as paroxetine and sertraline.

  • Therapies such as Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Self-help

Living in a country such as Liberia where there are limited access to mental health treatments and facilities, individual need to know what to do when affected by mental health issues.

Below are some tips; however, there are more suggestions online. ​

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  • Learn about the condition

  • Speak to someone trustworthy

  • Avoid drugs and alcohol

  • Practice breathing and grounding exercises

  • Practice physical exercises

  • Keep a diary

  • Learn about your body and your responses

  • Be kind to yourself

  • Avoid conflicting situations

Love

Depression 

What causes depression?

There are many explanations for the cause of depression. One no longer favoured explanation is an imbalance in chemical messengers in the brain. However, research has shown that adverse childhood experiences such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and traumatic events can contribute to an individual being vulnerable to developing depression. Other factors such as poverty, grief, loss of employment, broken down of relationships and being sexually or physically assaulted can lead to depression depending on the individual's coping mechanism and support system.

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What it is not

Depression may look different from person to person, but depression is an actual illness, and the symptoms can hinder an individual from enjoying everyday living. 

Man Using a Tablet

You must know that depression is not:

  • Weakness

  • Laziness

  • The end

  • Permanent 

  • Being a failure

  • Witchcraft or a curse

  • Racial related 

Symptoms

Depression steals your joy and leaves you empty without hope. Below are some symptoms of depression. How many of these are unnoticed due to the environment and society in which we live? For example, many of these symptoms in Liberia could also result from poverty. 

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  • Unhappiness.   

  • Tearfulness             

  • Hopelessness

  • Helplessness

  • Stress

  • Anxiety

  • Easily irritable 

 

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  • Self-criticism

  • Loss of interest

  • Constant tiredness

  • Troubled sleeping

  • Low mood

  • Suicidal thoughts

Self-help

Living in countries like Liberia with minimal mental health facilities, practising self-help is essential. The internet, with vast information on many issues, including depression, can be easily accessed anywhere in the world. Do not suffer alone and in silence—some tips on how to manage depression applying self-help. 

Ask an Expert

Tips:

  •  Learn about depression

  • Apply self-kindness

  • Speak to a professional 

  • Speak to a trusted person

  • Spend time outdoors

  • Do something creative 

  • Be active

  • Avoid drugs and alcohol

  • Practice relaxation techniques 

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Substance Abuse and Dependence

Drugs and alcohol can be coping mechanisms due to mental health issues. People living with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may resort to the use of drugs and alcohol to cope with symptoms.

 

For example, a group of people in Liberia, victims of drug abuse and dependence, have been ostracised and called "Zogos". They reside in graveyards and on the streets and may be victims of the civil war, Ebola and also economic factors.

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Signs & Symptoms

Changes in appetite or sleep pattern Unexplained anxiousness Sudden mood swings Unexplained aggression Drowsiness Bloodshot eyes Negative changes in appearance and hygiene Risky use despite awareness Impairs other areas of life Craves larger quantity consumption Lack motivation​

Treatment

The first step to treatment begins with recognizing there is a problem.

      Seek professional help: 

  • Medication-assisted therapies 

  • Cognitive Behavioural therapy

  • Detoxification 

Self/Family help 

ASK FOR HELP Know the substances use Learn about the disorder Avoid events that may lead you to crave and consume Learn what triggers you Get active  Set motivational goals  Find support groups  Be patient Encourage and motivate change Be kind to self

Some Types of Substance Abuse

Alcohol: Beer, wine & spirit Opioid Use Disorder: Prescription pain killer, heroin, fentanyl Stimulant use disorder: cocaine & methamphetamine Marijuana use disorder: cannabis Sedative use disorder: anti-anxiety medication, benzodiazepines & hypnotic  Hallucinogen use disorder: LSD, mescaline, psilocybin (mushroom)

Anxiety Disorder

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This image shows a young man experiencing an anxiety attack. His face shows the fear, worry and uncertainty he is experiencing. 

Symptoms

Excessive worrying Rapid negative thoughts Feeling irritable Easily fatigued Chest pain Panic attacks Sleeping problems Irregular heartbeat Sweating hot flush Troubling concentrating Feelings of nervousness Restlessness and on edge

Anxiety occurs in apprehension or anticipation of danger.  In Liberia, due to taboos and stigmatisation, many people suffer in silence with no knowledge or treatment.

Types of Anxiety Disorder

There are several types of anxiety disorders, and anyone can be affected. 

  • Panic disorder: Attacks of panic and extreme fear with no real reason

  • Phobia: Intense fear of a place, object, animal, situation

  • Social anxiety disorder: Fear of speaking in public anxiety 

  • Generalised anxiety disorder: Excessive worrying

  • Agoraphobia: Fear of going into open or crowded spaces

  • Separation anxiety: Intense anxiety about being away from loved ones

  • Selective mutism: Fear of speaking in a specific setting 

Shadow

Intense fear and the feeling of suffocation are common among people living with anxiety disorder. 

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Treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and anti-anxiety medication. 

Cognitive behavioural therapy is reportedly the most successful form of treatment for anxiety disorder. 

Self-care

 

  • Learn about the conditions

  • Recognise symptoms experienced

  • Learn how your body feels in situations

  • Avoid situations or places that may cause a trigger

  • Keep a journal of your thoughts

  • Talk to someone trusted

  • Exercise regular

  • Breathing Techniques 

Keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings. Learn your triggers and manage your responses to situations. 

Breathing Technique - Rebecca Blamo Cha
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Acute Stress Disorder

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Symptoms

  • Flashbacks

  • Intrusive thoughts

  • Nightmares

  • Feeling numb or detached from self

  • Anxiousness

  • Nausea

  • Negative mood

  • Avoidance

  • Increased arousal

Treatment

Trauma-focused therapies include Cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT).

​ Self-help 

  • Seek help

  • Speak to trusted someone

  • Practice relaxation techniques such as breathing and grounding techniques. 

  • Comfort yourself

  • Keep a journal 

  • Exercise regularly

  • Maintain a routine

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