Trauma and Why It Matters
Trauma is often seen as something only soldiers or victims of major disasters experience. Trauma is far more common — and much closer to us all.
Trauma is when a person goes through something deeply distressing or frightening that overwhelms their ability to cope. It could be a car accident, domestic violence, childhood neglect, the sudden loss of a loved one, or even repeated emotional abuse.
For many people — especially in communities where mental health is misunderstood — trauma goes unrecognized and untreated. Yet, research and real-life stories show that trauma is one of the strongest risk factors for developing mental illness.
The Brain on Trauma
Trauma doesn’t just affect emotions — it changes how the brain works.
When you go through something traumatic:
• Your amygdala, the brain’s fear centre, becomes overactive — making you feel constantly alert or anxious.
• Your hippocampus, which processes memories, may shrink — making it hard to remember or process what happened.
• Your prefrontal cortex, responsible for logical thinking and emotional regulation, may become less active — making you more reactive or impulsive.
This is why people who have experienced trauma often live in a state of “fight or flight” — even when the danger has passed.
How Trauma Can Lead to Mental Illness
Unhealed trauma is not just a bad memory — it can lead to real, diagnosable mental health conditions.
Here are some examples:
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Often caused by violence, accidents, or abuse. People may have nightmares, flashbacks, or panic attacks.
• Depression: Long-term sadness, hopelessness, and emotional numbness often stem from trauma or grief.
• Anxiety Disorders: Fear, worry, and restlessness are common after experiencing unsafe environments.
• Substance Abuse: Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to numb emotional pain from unresolved trauma.
• Borderline Personality Disorder: Often linked to abandonment or unstable caregiving in childhood.
Mental Illness Is Not a Curse
One major barrier to trauma healing in Ghana and many African societies is the belief that mental illness is a curse, punishment, or spiritual attack. Because of this, people are afraid to speak up or seek help. Instead, they may isolate themselves, hide their symptoms, or go untreated.
But mental illness is not a curse — it is a health condition. Just like malaria or diabetes, it can be treated with the right support.
Healing Is Possible
The good news is trauma recovery is possible. Many people who have experienced trauma go on to live happy, fulfilling lives — but they need support. Healing may involve:
Talking to a mental health professional
Finding safe spaces to express emotions
Being surrounded by people who offer compassion, not judgment
Exploring spiritual or cultural healing alongside medical care
In Ghana, you can call the Mental Health Helpline at 0800-111-101 for free and confidential support.
As written by Maame Akua Kyerewaa-Antwi, mental health advocate.