There is help in Secunda for people struggling with PTSD
“The main message that comes across is that there is not enough physical and emotional support in the area," said Melissa Vaughan.
SECUNDA – A free support group is open to people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
A South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)-approved support group takes place twice a month, on Saturdays, at Suite A1, Grand Palace Building, in Heunis Street, Secunda from 11:00 to 13:00.
Speaking to the Ridge Times, Melissa Vaughan who is a qualified occupational therapist, said she sees many psychiatric patients for therapy and does many functional capacity evaluations on patients suffering from PTSD.
“The main message that comes across, is that there is not enough physical and emotional support in the area.
“In the group, we create a safe zone for people who want to share their story and not for them to feel isolated or alienated,” said Vaughan.
Having a passion for mental health, Vaughan worked at a psychiatric hospital in Johannesburg for two years before moving to Secunda.
She said working at Sauerman Occupational Therapy, which is a private practice, gives her more time to spend with patients whereas in-patient hospital clients provide only 21 days of therapeutic contact.
She explained that PTSD is a mental condition that typically happens after one experiences trauma.
“People always think trauma has to be big, like a vehicle accident or death. Trauma can come from losing a best friend or a pet or even your job, anything can cause trauma in your life,” said Vaughan.
Trauma diagnosis is typically treated by a psychologist or a psychiatrist and patients are normally treated through psychotherapy and occupational therapy to deal with triggers.
However, Vaughan said that this is a support group for people who may struggle with the same or similar condition as others, coming together and supporting each other.
“There is power in groups. People come together with a similar problem or condition, and sharing their stories and how they get through it helps them flourish.
“You are talking to someone who actually understands you and understands what you are going through,” said Vaughan
The support group is free and is a non-profitable organisation.
“Everything discussed in our group sessions is highly confidential. As new members join the group, the rule is what gets said in the group stays in the group for confidential reasons.”
She said setting boundaries is important because people need to feel safe in a non-judgmental group and be able to share what is on their hearts that they cannot share at home.
“You are talking to someone who understands you and understands what you are going through.”
The group sessions cater to both men and women ages 18 years and up.
“For men, there is the typical saying “cowboys don’t cry,” however, Vaughan said not getting the necessary help and support can affect you emotionally.
You can have problems such as difficulties with aggression or emotional dysregulation, psychologically and cognitively, and it also affects one’s family.
“Come give us a try. If you don’t enjoy the group you don’t have to come back. Just know this is a safe zone, you are not judged because you feel you are incompetent or weak. It takes a strong person to join a group and to get help,” said Vaughan.
Although group sessions are only for persons 18 and over, there are also helplines for the youth and adults, that are free and available 24/7.
Suicide crisis helpline: 0800 567 567 or CIPLA mental health helpline: 0800 456 789 or the Department of Social Development substance abuse helpline: 0800 12 13 14,
Dr Reddy’s mental health helpline: 0800 21 22 23 from 8.00 to 20:00 or CIPLA WhatsApp chat line: 076 882 2775 from 09.00 to 16:00 or ADCOCK Ingram depression and anxiety helpline: 0800 70 80 90 from 08.00 to 20:00. You can also SMS SADAG on 31393.
For more inquiries on the group sessions, contact Melissa Vaughan through WhatsApp on 072 391 1653.
