Wayne Lamprecht, Fidelity ADT\u2019s community development manager, said, following an incident, it is critical that not only the victims of an incident get help through counselling, but those indirectly affected too.<\/p>\n
\u201cOften domestic staff are present to witness an incident, or possibly a neighbour or family member comes to help the victim.<\/p>
\u201cAll these people can be affected by the trauma in different ways and need help to deal with the trauma,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Fidelity ADT offers trauma counselling to its customers through Life Employee Health Solutions (Life EHS).<\/p>\n
Dr Leanne Mandim, head: health and wellness solutions for Life EHS, said whether you were directly involved in the traumatic event or exposed to it after the fact, there are steps you can take to recover from the ordeal.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrauma can leave you struggling with upsetting emotions, flashbacks, and anxiety that won\u2019t go away.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can also leave you feeling numb, disconnected, and unable to trust other people.<\/p>\n
\u201cPhysical symptoms such as insomnia, nightmares, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even muscle pain are also normal and expected,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s most important is getting the right assistance.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are also a few self-help strategies that you can use to support your recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Victims of Crime Survey 2018\/2019 \u2013 Public urged to report all crime<\/a><\/p>\n Safety in public spaces \u2013 we can play our part<\/a><\/p>\n \n She highlighted a few ideas that could be included in your recovery plan:<\/strong><\/p>\n Dr Mandim said everyone needs to understand that recovering from trauma takes time and everyone recovers at their own pace.<\/p>\n \u201cWhether you have been involved in a traumatic incident or you are supporting someone who is traumatised, it\u2019s important not to rush the process.<\/p>\n \u201cSuppressed or unresolved trauma can have a long-lasting effect on your work life, family life, relationships and more,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Dr Mandim added that working through trauma can be scary and painful, so it\u2019s important to get the help of an experienced professional.<\/p>\n \u201cThe person you choose needs to have experience in dealing with trauma and needs to connect with you in a comfortable way.<\/p>\n \u201cSpeak to your security provider about possible counselling services on offer.<\/p>\n \u201cThey will have specialist resources who understand trauma related to crime,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n If you are supporting someone that has suffered a trauma, Dr Mandim said the best thing you can do is to be patient and understanding.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t pressure them into talking but be available if they want to talk.<\/p>\n \u201cOffer to help them get back into a normal routine like taking them shopping or doing housework together, for example.<\/p>\n \u201cEncourage them to exercise by offering to go for a walk with them or doing something they enjoy, like a hobby,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cIf it is a loved one, don\u2019t be surprised if they are angry, irritable, withdrawn, or emotionally distant.<\/p>\n \u201cThe changes may be a result of the trauma and may not have anything to do with you or your relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Also follow us on:<\/p>\n\n
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