Trauma Support Group:

Karen Hayward is available at the church offices, for trauma support.

What is trauma?

When a person is exposed to an event that causes a loss of life to another or a threat of physical harm or death to oneself, which leads to intense horror, shock and or shame – trauma is experienced.

In the face of danger such as a home invasion, high-jacking, rape, robbery, accidents etc., the human body responds by releasing adrenalin and other hormones in the brain that shoots through one’s body, preparing one for ‘flight (running away) or fight’. Receiving the news that one has a terminal illness or having to undergo surgery can also be traumatic.

This is a normal response – and after the event a person would often tell everybody around them, readjust to life, and move on. But due to the intensity of the event, the violence ridden society we live in and previous experiences – it is not always possible or easy to ‘just move on’. One may be left with nightmares, flashbacks of images, sounds or smells – and a struggle with guilt, anger, shame and questions around ourselves, others and God.

Our physical bodies get depleted through the stress experienced during the trauma as well as through being constantly ‘on guard’, the lack of sleep and other struggles in the aftermath. Our emotional or psychological health loses its spark or vitality – the joy.

Socially we may suffer because of withdrawal from life as well as through others’ reactions. And spiritually we may be haunted by questions of what we did wrong as well as quietly asking ourselves why God didn’t intervene in a more miraculous way. We are cautioned in the world to not allow the roots of bitterness to take hold in our hearts, to deal with anger and to forgive (i.e. Ephesians 4:31-32; Matthew 6). Often this can involve a process of coming to terms with what had happened, asking the questions, working through the pain as well as all the emotions – before we get to the place that we can turn it over to God to turn it into good (Romans 8:28).

The trauma-support group

Karen will be available for people to come and share their emotions and shame, to receive practical advice where possible and to receive prayer. Because of the nature of trauma – there may be many people at times needing support, and less at others. What they face may differ a lot. It also indicates a period of time after which a person would no longer need this kind of support. People are given the freedom to share as much or little as they can and are expected to keep whatever they hear about another’s struggle, confidential. People can also receive referrals to people / organizations which can help them more specifically, as needed.

The group will thus be led and shaped as God brings different people together over time.