The toll of trauma
Trauma is far more than just a difficult or shocking experience; it’s an emotional response to overwhelming events that exceed our ability to cope.
World Trauma Day (17 October) shines a light on trauma in all its forms, and especially how it affects our mental health.
In South Africa, trauma exposure is alarmingly common, with approximately 75% of the population experiencing at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, according to a research study in KwaZulu-Natal in 2024. When traumatic experiences overwhelm our normal coping mechanisms, they can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which affects about 2,3% of South Africans.
Trauma extends beyond violence and crime, and can stem from unexpected sources.
- The emotional wounds from systemic discrimination and oppression during apartheid are passed down from one generation to the next, manifesting in mental health issues, socio-economic challenges, and community dynamics.
- Extreme poverty – with its constant battle for food and shelter, lack of access to help, and feelings of hopelessness – creates chronic trauma and affects brain function, which in turn has a profound impact on mental wellbeing.
This collective trauma has contributed to South Africa’s significant mental health burden, with up to 25% of the population affected by conditions such as depression and anxiety.
