Walking together: Healing and hope for Colombian refugees

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w a l k i n g t o g e t h e r 63 FLASHBACKS When memories from the past return It is likely that members of the refugee family will experience flashbacks on occasion after arriving in Canada. Because of your important role in supporting the refugee family it may be helpful for you to understand flashbacks so that you can reassure the refugee family and give them guidance on how to deal with them. The following paragraphs have been adapted from the STAR program material on flashbacks. 19 In normal, daily life the rational brain (cerebral cortex) is largely in charge until something happens that causes the instinctual and/or emotional parts of the brain (the limbic system and brain stem) to take over. To get back into the rational brain, a person must do something to “pull themselves together” so they can think clearly again and respond appropriately. Colombian Refugees share about experiencing flashbacks: “Memories - in the first year there is a lot of fear. Those unpleasant experiences live with you. When you go out on the street, you see a car and you react mechanically and you get frightened, but then you remember that you are in Canada and you calm down.” - Filepe “I was walking in a park when someone spoke to me from behind, and it scared me so badly that I felt like I was re-living all of the experiences from Colombia. I felt a lot of fear in that moment. I kept walking but I felt like I was frozen and couldn’t move. I looked behind and saw the person and I didn’t recognize his face, but then it turned out to be my friend.” - Sara “You try to not think about them again, because it’s something really ugly, something horrible. You ask God every day to forget those things. Sometimes I wake up dreaming that I’m there, I wake up afraid.” - Roberto “There are a lot of people here from the town that I come from. There is an ex-town councilor from my city. One day he called me. I was not happy to receive his call. The first thing that I thought was “if he lives here and has my number...what is going on? what kind of connections does he have?” - Dora “Most of my memories are unforgettable. What do I do? - I keep the memories with me wherever I go.” - David 19. Adapted from Flashbacks and the Brain-Body Link. (2004) Strategies for Trauma Resilience and Awareness (STAR), Eastern Mennonite University, Virginia, USA. www.emu.edu/star
64 w a l k i n g t o g e t h e r After a traumatic incident, the process is the same, only stronger, and “pulling oneself together” may not be easy to do. Depending on how much attention is paid to trauma healing, the effects of the trauma may linger in unhealthy ways. (see previous pages as well as appendix #3). Or a person may be doing all right until they bump up against something that is similar to what was present during the original event (a trigger). It could be a smell, a particular kind of touch, hearing or seeing something that “triggers” the trauma memory, or an emotion or feeling similar to the initially traumatic one (like loss of control or shame). Suddenly, the instinctual and emotional brain (limbic system and brain stem) take over. A lot of energy is present. It can feel like the trauma event is happening all over again. This is called a flashback. Some trauma survivors may have flashbacks frequently, others just once or not at all, while others may just experience a sense of disease, depression, or anxiety. If members of the refugee family have been experiencing flashbacks, let them know that flashbacks are a common part of the reaction to trauma. Explain that they are a normal response to an abnormal situation just as bleeding is a normal response to getting cut, or pain is a normal response to a broken leg. Reassure them that flashbacks are an indicator that their body is working properly to protect itself - by remembering what happened, the body is on alert, ready in case it ever happens again. A key component of trauma is loss of control. Let them know that there are things they can do to help. For instance, it is often helpful to do some or all of the following after experiencing a flashback: doing other forms of exercise, deep breathing, allowing their body to shake, talking to someone safe, crying or dancing. and feel. blue. EFFECTS OF REFUGEE TRAUMA ON THE FAMILY The traumas and stresses inherent in the refugee journey can have a profound impact on the family unit. Even after families arrive to safety in Canada, the effects of the traumatic situations they experienced can and do affect family dynamics. In addition, the process of adapting to a new culture, community and language can influence refugee family life. Family break up is commonly seen among Colombian refugee families in Canada, just as it is among internally displaced families in Colombia. This is not necessarily because these were unstable families to begin with, but more a result of the stress that surviving trauma, undergoing major life transitions and adapting to a new context brings on the family structure. Being aware of the potential challenges that refugee families will face upon resettlement will help your church prepare to offer support, counsel and orientation to the family as they navigate the new dynamics and challenges that greet them as they begin life in Canada.
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WALKING TOGETHER: Healing and Hope
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Walking together: Healing and hope for Colombian refugees

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