TRAUMA SERVICES Must BE EXPANDED

I have noted with relief that we, as a society, are finally beginning to recognize the debilitating effects of trauma on one’s health.

I have watched with awe, even to the point of discomfort, the tremendous outpouring of emotional and financial support for the Humboldt Broncos and their families.

I have observed the commendable efforts that are being made to assist first responders and military veterans through the aftereffects of trauma that they carry.

Yet, as a mental health worker, I notice we continue to deny trauma services to the very populations that are most in need: the Indigenous population and many of the newcomers to this territory.

We continue to blame our Indigenous citizens for the continuing colonial effects of lifelong trauma that they are experiencing.

We scoop up Indigenous children rather than providing trauma support for families.

We incarcerate Indigenous youths and adults while offering no programs to help them understand and deal with their trauma.

Even our health system is devoid of such help, yet I know there are Indigenous families who have lost many, many, members of their family as a result of trauma and its effects.

Many of our newcomers — men, women and children — have endured years of war and conflict, leaving them seriously traumatized.

Many of these survivors are naturally in need of serious and immediate proactive trauma care in order to avoid serious problems in their lives.

If such services are not soon provided, they, too, will be blamed for the continuing effects of the trauma they have experienced.

It will be a great day when, as a society, we are able to recognize and support everyone through the ravaging effects of trauma toward a satisfying and healthy life. Bob Hughes, Regina