Walking together: Healing and hope for Colombian refugees

w a l k i n g
t o g e t h e r
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“helper’s high” after performing a kind act
involves physical sensations
and the release of the body’s natural
painkillers, endorphins. The initial rush is
followed by a longer period of calm and
improved emotional well-being.
return for hours or even days whenever the
helping act is remembered.
after performing kind acts. Helping others
reverses feelings of depression, supplies
social contact and reduces feelings of
hostility and isolation that can cause stress,
overeating, ulcers etc.
self-worth and emotional resilience and
vigour and can reduce the unhealthy
senses of isolation, depression and
helplessness.
Studies, employment and hobbies: For their first year in Canada, most refugees will be involved in
language study and to some extent, their first experience in the Canadian workplace. For some survivors
of refugee trauma, meeting the demands of study and or work may be difficult, however both activities
help add structure to daily life. Although occasionally it might be necessary for a recently arrived refugee to
refrain from both study and work in order to recover from trauma or unexpected psychological setbacks,
in most cases extended disability status is usually not helpful for recovery from trauma. Without a routine,
refugees, like the rest of us, can begin to feel disconnected from the world and may find themselves
with too much time on their hands for dwelling on their grief. The challenge of being without a routine is
something that churches can help their refugee family avoid by ensuring that they get involved in language
studies and guiding them in their search for employment at appropriate stages of the sponsorship.
During the summer months, when free time tends to be ample for newly arrived refugees, churches
can ensure that the refugee family is included in any summer church activities such as children’s clubs,
church camp or picnics as well as organizing families in the church to extend invitations to the refugee
family for special outings or events such as local festivals or fairs. Hobbies can also provide survivors with
a sense of purpose in life and offer opportunities for socialization. If you become aware of hobbies that
the refugee has enjoyed in the past, such as sewing, sketching or playing an instrument, help them find
the tools and supplies they need to be able to continue on with their hobby in Canada. Creative activities
such as painting, drawing, writing, music or poetry can help the refugee not only to find new purpose but
also to express feelings and process past experiences. Your church refugee support group can find out if
the refugee you have sponsored would be interested in any of these activities, and help get started.