By Manni Jenis Irmiya, HHG Correspondent, Nigeria The Triumph Over Trauma and Stigmatization Initiative (TOTSI), is an initiative under Harper Hill Global, dedicated to raising awareness about trauma, providing resources for healing, and promoting trauma-informed care within communities. TOTSI held an awareness workshop on trauma for selected participants in Gombe state, North-East Nigeria, on Saturday, 8th of March, 2025.
Through the awareness workshop, the TOTSI team engaged the participants in discussions about trauma: its types, causes, effects, solutions, and the importance of healing. It also aimed to provide emotional and psychological support for trauma survivors through safe spaces and resources.
In her opening remark during the training, the coordinator of Triumph Over Trauma and Stigmatization Initiative, Doris Jenis Adamu, welcomed all the participants and gave an overview of TOTSI, its activities so far, as well as their aims and objectives. She urged all the participants to focus and be open-minded, adding that the knowledge they will gain from the facilitators will be a tremendous impact on their lives and the lives of people around them.
The first facilitator, Rebeccah Haruna who spoke about trauma, said it is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, adding that it affects not only the mind, but the body and spirit, often leading to emotional, psychological and physical symptoms. She added that trauma can happen to anyone.
In her own presentation, the second facilitator, Mrs. Vasty Bishara, outlined trauma to include acute trauma, which results from a single distressing event such as an accident or assault, among others. Other types mentioned included chronic trauma which stems from repeated or prolonged exposure to distressing events such as ongoing abuse, war and conflict, poverty etc., and the third type of trauma is the complex trauma, which develops from exposure to multiple traumatic events, often in childhood or within relationships.
The third presenter, Mrs. Monicah Ogumah Odoh educated the participants about the causes of trauma which include physical or sexual abuse, war and conflicts, accidents and natural disasters, grief and loss of loved ones, bullying and harassment, poverty, substance abuse and addictions, stress, life transitions, stigma, etc. She added that trauma does not only result from external events, but can also stem from how a person processes and reacts to them.
In her own presentation on the effects of trauma on the mind, body and spirit, Mrs. Sarah David informed the participants that the effects can be short term or long lasting and can influence a person’s emotions, behaviors and overall well-being. For the effect of trauma on the body, she mentioned health problems such as fatigue, muscle tension, illnesses and infections, unexplained headache, weight changes, anxiety, heart problems, high blood pressure, among others. For the effects of trauma on the mind, she listed post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anger issues, mood swings, sadness, dissociation, low self-esteem, addiction and self-destructive behaviors. For the effects of trauma on the spirit, she said trauma can lead to loss of faith or trust in God, spiritual disconnection, struggles with forgiveness, guilt, etc.
Speaking on a way forward or healing, Mrs. Ande Molly said the healing process requires a holistic approach that must address both the body, mind and spirit. For the body, she suggested regular exercise, healthy nutrition, breathing and relaxation techniques, quality sleep and rest, as well as medical support. For the mind, she suggested therapy and counselling, both medical and faith-based, journaling, creative expressions, support groups, among others. And for the spirit, she outlined prayer and meditation, forgiveness and letting go, church, mosque or any faith community support, rediscovering purpose, surrendering to God’s healing, adding that the healing process of trauma is a journey that needs patience, resilience, and change in mindset.
During the question and answers segment of the awareness workshop, the participants asked diverse questions to gain more clarity from the facilitators and other participants. Some participants also shared their traumatic personal experiences and received attentive listening and advice.
The training concluded with participants committing to share this new trauma understanding with others in their communities.
The Triumph Over Trauma and Stigmatization Initiative has made meaningful strides in breaking the silence around trauma and supporting survivors on their healing journeys. However, sustained efforts, partnerships, and advocacy are crucial for continued impact. By expanding its reach and deepening its initiatives, TOTSI can further its mission of fostering a trauma-informed and resilient society under Harper Hill Global.
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