Goal:
A comprehensive approach for the mental health and well-being of the women survivors of religious intolerance, sexual violence, and women oppression. Trauma counseling, meditation, stress management, exercises, and outdoor activities are the essential part of Panah to help and support the holistic situation of survivors to overcome the negative feelings, providing them with the tools and resources for recovery and a hopeful future.
Objective:
The primary goal of the program was to provide residents with effective tools to cope with trauma, manage stress, and foster a supportive community within Shelter Residence.
Providing trauma counseling, meditation, stress management, different exercises, and outdoor activities for survivors of violence, especially those residing in Panah, is crucial for several reasons.
Trauma symptoms arising from racism, homophobia, sexism, poverty, or other forms of marginalization. CTS is committed to address the needs of medical health of the residents in Panah and continued a comprehensive Trauma Counseling Program, for the mental therapy, stress management and Trauma-informed care through professional psychologist and psychosocial counselor.
CTS has designed stress management trainings, trauma counseling and depressive disorder sessions for the survivors in Panah including exercises for mental therapy. The activity is implemented by the therapist on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week.
This report highlights the key aspects and outcomes of these therapeutic sessions.
CTS staff diagnosed different types of trauma, stress and depression in the women survivors in Panah.
Depressive disorder:
Depressive disorder which is a common mental disorder found in those women have lived through abuse, sexual violence, severe losses or other stressful events are more likely to develop depression. It involves a depressed mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time and different from regular mood changes and feelings about everyday life. It affect all aspects of life, including relationships with family, friends and community.
Trauma- Informed Care and psychosocial counseling:
To help the women to deal with the long-term effects of prolonged or repeated experiences of abuse and violence. Many women, choosing to go into therapy to deal with a past traumatic event. It takes a lot of time, money and emotional energy. Trauma information not a general information that women can use to help them understand their trauma responses and to get the most out of their trauma therapy. CTS provided information about the therapeutic process and what to expect from one-on- one trauma therapy. Even though our focus of individual counseling rather than group therapy, most of the material is also applicable to trauma treatment carried out in the context of a group. This information helps women feel more confident about seeking help.
Other symptoms are also present, which may include:
- Poor concentration
- Feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth
- Hopelessness about the future
- Thoughts about dying or suicide
- Disrupted sleep
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Feeling very tired or low in energy.
Diagnosis and treatment
There are effective treatments for depression including psychological treatment and medications. CTS provides psychological treatments support to the women in severe depression. Psychological treatments help the women knowing the ways of positive thinking and coping or relating to others. Including talk therapies of individuals help effective results on psychological treatments.
Effective psychological treatments for depression include:
- Behavioral activation
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Interpersonal psychotherapy
- Problem-solving therapy
Self-care
Self-care can play an important role in managing depression and promoting overall well- being. The women in Panah are teach what to do in depression and guided to adopt the following steps.
- Try to keep doing activities to make them enjoy
- Stay connected to friends and family
- Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a short walk
- Stick to regular eating and sleeping habits as much as possible
- Talk to someone they trust about their feelings
- Seek help from a healthcare provider.
CTS is much concerned about the well-being of the survivors and ensure their safety and stability while they live in Panah. In depression and deep trauma women often think about suicide. We always instruct the women suffering from severe depression and trauma to adopt the following steps if they thought of suicide:
- Remember you are not alone, and that many people have gone through what you’re experiencing
- Talk to someone you trust about how you feel
- Talk to the warden or psychosocial counselor
- Live in a group
- Do positive activities and keep yourself involve in doing something.
And if you think you are in immediate danger of harming yourself, contact any available emergency services or a crisis line.
Healing from Trauma:
Survivors of violence often experience physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. Trauma counseling helps them address and process these experiences, facilitating healing and recovery. Panah is a safe space for survivors to express their feelings, understand the impact of the trauma, and develop coping mechanisms.
Mental Health Support:
Violence can have profound effects on mental health, leading to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Counseling and meditation techniques are valuable tools in managing and alleviating these mental health challenges.
Stress Reduction:
Survivors may face ongoing stress related to their past experiences. Stress management techniques equip them with practical strategies to cope with stressors, promoting a healthier mental and emotional state.
Empowerment:
Engaging in various exercises and outdoor activities empowers survivors by promoting physical well-being. Exercise help them to the release of endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress. Outdoor activities also provide a change of environment, promoting a sense of normalcy and connection to nature.
Holistic Approach:
Adopting a holistic approach recognizes that individuals are complex beings with interconnected physical, mental, and emotional facets. Combining counseling, meditation, exercises, and outdoor activities addresses these different aspects, offering a more comprehensive and effective support system.
Building Resilience:
Encouraging survivors to participate in activities that promote self-care and overall well- being helps build resilience. These skills are essential for navigating future challenges and adapting to life beyond the shelter home.
Community and Support:
Engaging in activities fosters a sense of community among shelter residents. Building a
supportive community can provide a network of understanding individuals who share similar experiences, creating a supportive environment for mental healing and personal growth.
Enhancing Coping Skills:
Learning and practicing various coping skills empower survivors to navigate their emotions and challenges effectively. This can contribute to their long-term well-being and ability to reintegrate into society.
Preventing Re-victimization:
Equipping survivors with the tools to manage stress, build resilience, and maintain their mental health reduces the risk of re-victimization. It prepares them for a more stable and secure future.
Recommendations for 2024:
Continued Professional Guidance: Sustain the trauma counseling program with certified professionals to ensure the ongoing mental well-being of residents.
Diversification of Activities: Introduce new activities and workshops to maintain engagement and cater to varying preferences within the community.
Regular Feedback Sessions: Establish a structured feedback system to continually evaluate the program’s effectiveness and address evolving needs.
In conclusion, Shelter Residence’s Trauma Counseling, Exercises, and Stress Management Training program for 2023 successfully contributed to the mental health and overall well-being of its residents. The commitment to providing a supportive environment reflects positively on the community and sets a foundation for continued growth and resilience in the years to come.
CTS note:
As we wrap up the transformative year 2023, CTS expresses gratitude and admiration for the resilience displayed by each one of our resident. The journey we embarked on together has been both challenging and rewarding, and it is heartening to witness the strength that has emerged from within our community.
Our trauma counseling sessions have not merely been a therapeutic process but a collective endeavor toward healing and empowerment. The commitment and courage exhibited by our residents in facing and overcoming their traumas have been truly inspiring. Together, we have created a safe and nurturing environment, fostering a spirit of solidarity and understanding.
The various activities, from regular counseling sessions to yoga, meditation, and outdoor exercises,
were carefully designed to address the diverse needs of our residents. The success of these sessions is a testament to the dedication of our counseling team and the active participation of each resident.
The stories of transformation and personal growth are a testament to the impact of these sessions. From building a sense of community to cultivating coping mechanisms, our residents have embraced the opportunity to reclaim their lives. The bond forged within Shelter Home has become a source of strength, proving that healing is not an individual journey but a collective effort.
As we move forward, let us carry the lessons learned and the strength gained into the coming year. The journey of healing is ongoing, and CTS is confident that the support system we have cultivated within Panah survivors will continue to be a beacon of hope and resilience for all.
CTS extends the deepest gratitude to the counseling team, support staff, and most importantly, to the residents who have demonstrated remarkable
courage and determination. Together, we have proven that, indeed, compassion, support, and unwavering belief are the possibility of renewal and transformation.