Recognising trauma is vital to connect with healing.
October 10 is World Mental Health Day, so Philip Stoneman, the director and founder of the Benoni-based Trauma Support South Africa (TSSA), applauds the invisible heroes who have spoken up, recognised their trauma and found growth through healing.
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“When we refer to heroes, we automatically think of someone who has done something brave, faced danger or masked marvels who rise in the name of justice,” he said.
“Heroism is a term rarely coupled with trauma, but I hope that by guiding victims through healing, they will gain the confidence to tell their stories, thus encouraging others through their bravery.”
Stoneman’s childhood was marred with abuse.
Faced with the reality that he had the necessary experience to continue the cycle of abuse, he chose to help others.
Compiling solid training material aimed at empowering volunteers and equipping them to offer valuable support and psychological first aid for anyone seeking help, TSSA was founded and has more than 20 volunteers standing by to assist.
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“Trauma can produce heroes. Sometimes heroism looks like nothing at all,” he said.
“However, heroic actions could manifest in the form of a woman showing up for her children although her heart is pounding with terror.
“When caught in the grips of an abusive relationship, many victims struggle to come to terms with the reality that the person they vowed to love eternally is inflicting pain and self-doubt through violence and manipulation.”
Stoneman says that inevitably, a spark of courage to speak out could subsequently lead victims of abuse to seek help.
“TSSA volunteers are trained to be trauma-informed, which means they are trained to create a safe environment of trust where victims have a choice to collaborate to reach a successful point where healing takes place,” he said.
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“It is here that the flame of heroism is ignited. Victims transform into survivors who reclaim their worth and the ability to make their own decisions and rediscover themselves.
“The process of rebuilding a life post-trauma takes time. It is a journey of allowing yourself to reconnect with your truest form and others while restoring what you feel you may have lost.”
Stoneman urges anyone seeking help to contact TSSA.
“We are here to guide you through the process of speaking out and celebrate every step into becoming a hero of overcoming,” he said.
For more information, upcoming training courses or help, go to www.ticisa.org.za
