Emma was only thirteen when she lost her dad in a car accident. She didn’t cry much, everyone said she was “strong.” But as she grew older, the silence inside her grew louder and stronger. By the time she was 19, she felt like she was carrying an invisible weight. She stopped school, lost interest in all activities and began sleeping all day. “Maybe I’m just lazy,” she said to herself. But what Emma didn’t know was that she was battling depression rooted in childhood trauma.
Her story isn’t rare.
Across communities in Ghana and beyond, thousands of young people carry silent wounds. Some are survivors of abuse, neglect, loss, bullying, or broken homes. Others have witnessed violence or experienced neglect. These events are not just moments of pain—they leave lasting psychological marks. And too often, they are dismissed, ignored, or misunderstood.
You may ask, What Is Trauma?
Trauma is more than just going through something “bad.” It’s when an experience overwhelms your ability to cope and leaves you feeling helpless, afraid, or broken. It can happen suddenly—like an accident or assault—or over time, such as living in a home with constant conflict, neglect, or abuse.
Trauma isn’t always visible. One may look “fine” on the outside, but the mind remembers, and the body responds, even years later.
Understanding Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and function. It’s not just sadness. It can feel like emptiness, lack of motivation, constant tiredness and a sense that life has lost its colour. For some, it shows up as anger or withdrawal. For others, it’s self-blame or thoughts of giving up.
According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents and young adults worldwide. In Ghana, the situation is more serious than it seems. Many people don’t seek help due to stigma, fear or lack of mental health education.
The Hidden Connection
Research confirms what many already know through experience: trauma increases the risk of depression. Studies like the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) shows that people who experience multiple forms of trauma—especially in childhood are far more likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, substance use, and even suicidal thoughts later in life.
But why does trauma affect the brain in this way?
When we experience trauma, our brains go into survival mode. Stress hormones like cortisol surge through our system. If trauma happens repeatedly or goes unresolved, these changes in the brain—especially in areas like the amygdala (emotional processing centre), hippocampus (memory centre of the brain), and prefrontal cortex (judgment and focus area). This can affect how we manage emotions, memory, and judgment. Over time, this can lead to the symptoms we recognize as depression.
The Silence That Hurts
In many African cultures, including Ghana, depression and trauma are rarely discussed openly. A young person who is “too quiet” or “losing focus” may be labelled as disrespectful, lazy, or spiritually attacked. Yet behind the silence may be years of pain, confusion, or untreated mental illness.
When trauma is ignored, the sadness lingers. When no one listens, the burden grows heavier. That’s why creating safe spaces to talk and seek help is not just important—it’s lifesaving.
Hope and Healing Are Possible
The good news? Trauma and depression are not life sentences. Healing is possible—especially with support. Therapy, especially trauma-focused approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), can help process painful memories. Talking to a trusted adult, joining a peer support group, or seeing a mental health professional can make a huge difference.
Most importantly, we must learn to listen—to ourselves and to each other. Behind every withdrawn student, angry teenager, or exhausted friend could be a story that needs to be heard, not judged.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Trauma and depression are real but so is healing. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Speak up, reach out, and support others. Together, we can break the stigma and build a future where every mind matters.
Maame Akua Kyerewaa-Atwi