FELSISA Witness VELSISA Boodskapper

The effects of trauma and violence
from it – but also learn to pick the
right moment. See with them how the
violence is random and that they did
all they could. If they feel they didn’t
do all they could then help them find
forgiveness for themselves from an allloving,
grace-filled God.
People have a variety of unhealthy
coping strategies for the unpleasant
effects of PTSD. Here are just a few:
After the initial trauma, the victim
develops certain behaviour in order to
cope with the emotional overload.
They can cover their pain in a variety
of ways such as work, sex, depression,
alcohol, drugs, compulsive eating or
dieting. This gives relief to the
emotional pain but of course does
nothing in helping them to build a
much-needed renewed and balanced
worldview. The victim often looks to
blaming someone. This is a normal
‘meaning-making’ activity. Sometimes
this someone is God. The victim can
become over-protective of their loved
ones because the trauma shattered
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their belief that the world is a safe
place. This results in their family
members becoming frightful and
anxious themselves. Avoidance is
another unhelpful coping strategy.
Victims can throw themselves into
busy work schedules, shopping,
alcohol abuse, etc. in an effort to avoid
reality. But we must face our pain in
order to liberate ourselves from it.
Lastly it is vitally important for the
victim to talk to someone. I was so
happy to read in Reinhild’s article of
the people who have reached out to
others for help. God created us to
stand in relationship with others. Time
heals but sometimes time needs a bit
of help. By having the courage to reach
out and get help, you will be so much
closer to healing and being able to reengage
in a world, which, although it is
not always a safe place, is sustained by
a God who is still in control. Jesus has
the victory and one day the ‘prince of
this world’ will be dethroned forever.
May God bless you all. ■
If you are interested in trauma, its effects and how to
help people affected by it, or are just looking for more
information regarding trauma, you might find this book
by Ivonne Retief helpful: “Healing for Trauma in the
South African context.” (The book is also available in
Afrikaans: “Genesing vir trauma in die Suid-Afrikaanse
konteks”.)
The book provides professional insight but at the same
time is a suitable read for everyone. The great strength
of the book is the fact that it is written for the South
African context. Pastor Michael Ahlers