World Trauma Day

Trauma is a significant contributor to disability and mental disorders, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), which reports approximately 5 million deaths annually due to violence and trauma. Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionate burden of trauma-related fatalities and injuries. In South Africa, the lifetime prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stands at 2.3% among the general population (Swain, Pillay, & Kleiwer, 2017). Trauma manifests as an emotional response to events perceived as life-threatening, causing extreme distress and compromising an individual’s bodily and psychological well-being (Hatcher et al., 2019). Such experiences can adversely affect personal functioning, relationships, and occupational performance, leading to various mental health challenges. The impact of trauma intensifies when access to care and treatment is limited, a situation faced by many South Africans living amidst high levels of violence and insufficient mental health resources (Kola et al., 2021). South Africa’s reality is marked by pervasive violence and trauma, compounded by a lack of accessible mental health services, particularly for those affected by socio-economic disparities (Felitti et al., 2019). This vulnerability, rooted in the nation’s traumatic history of racial division, exacerbates mental health disorders. Unaddressed trauma risks further perpetuating cycles of suffering, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach to reduce violence and promote mental health support across various societal sectors, ultimately fostering hope for a more equitable future.

Reference list

Hatcher AM, Gibbs A, Jewkes R, McBride R-S, Peacock D, Christofides N. Effect of childhood poverty and trauma on adult depressive symptoms among young men in peri-urban south african settlements. J Adolesc Health. 2019;64(1):79–85.

Kola L, Kohrt BA, Hanlon C, Naslund JA, Sikander S, Balaji M, et al. COVID-19 mental health impact and responses in low-income and middle-income countries: reimagining global mental health. The Lancet Psychiatry. 2021;8(6):535–50.

Felitti VJ, Anda RF, Nordenberg D, Williamson DF, Spitz AM, Edwards V, et al. Reprint of: relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: the adverse childhood experiences (ACE) study. Am J Prev Med. 2019;56(6):774–86.

Swain, K. D., Pillay, B. J., & Kliewer, W. (2017). Traumatic stress and psychological functioning in a South African adolescent community sample. South African Journal of Psychiatry, 23.

World Health Organisation (WHO). (2024). Injuries and violence. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/injuries-and-violence