MENTAL HEALTH: Columbus initiatives combat communal trauma

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) —

When considering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many often think of the impact on an individual level. However, trauma also has the potential to impact people on a collective or communal level.

Collective Trauma and its Impact

According to Pastoral Institute CEO Thomas Waynick, evidence of collective trauma can easily be seen in communities which have been impacted by natural disasters, wars, or other large-scale traumatic events. On a local level, he said, Columbus locals encounter this type of trauma as the community grapples with high rates of gang- and gun-related violence.

The ACEs Questionnaire

Waynick mentioned that there are several parts of Columbus where PTSD rates are high. This data is collected through the ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) questionnaire. The ACEs survey is a 10-part questionnaire that screens for depression in the household, violence, poverty, and more. It gives individuals a score of 0 to 10 based on their answers to a series of “yes” or “no” questions about their childhood experiences.

National Statistics on ACEs

Waynick highlighted that on a national level, half of high school graduates scored high on the ACEs questionnaire, indicating a significant portion of youth across the country have experienced significant trauma.

The Reality of Trauma

“The reality is, we live in a world where there will always be trauma, there will always be an accident, there will always be a hurricane,” said Waynick. “There always will be a fire, there always will be someone who wants to hurt someone else.”

Addressing Trauma in the Community

Despite the fact that trauma will not disappear, Waynick explained that there are ways to help a community facing the aftermath of trauma. The most important way to do this is by ensuring a sense of safety within the community.

Creating a Sense of Safety

“I wish our community would be able to live so that every single person in this community would know that someone in the community cared about them,” said Waynick.

Community Initiatives and Programs

Scholarly research suggests that community traumas can culminate in a system of meaning that allows groups to redefine who they are and where they are going. One example of this on a local level is the anti-gang and anti-teen violence initiatives, such as Cure Violence Columbus. This program involves reformed former gang members reaching out to local youth to dissuade them from gang activity.

Community Events

Other organizations are also creating a sense of safety with community events designed to highlight the positives of Columbus. For example, Gilberto Drummonds, also known as DJ Cahsflow of 98.3 the Beat, held the city’s first “706 Day,” a free community block party with music and vendors to give back to the community.

The Importance of Safety

Building a sense of safety in the community is the first step to recovering from communal trauma and moving forward. Humans are hardwired to prosper in safe and caring environments.

Waynick emphasized, “We will do great things if we have safety.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Sustainable Development Goal: Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.

2. Sustainable Development Goal: Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)

• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.

3. Sustainable Development Goal: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
• Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age.

Explanation

1. Sustainable Development Goal: Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

The article discusses the impact of trauma on mental health and well-being, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to promote good health and well-being for all. The target 3.4 focuses on reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health and well-being. The article highlights the need to address trauma and its effects on individuals and communities, indicating the relevance of this SDG and target.

2. Sustainable Development Goal: Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)

The article mentions the high rates of gang- and gun-related violence in the community, which can contribute to inequalities and social exclusion. SDG 10 aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries. Target 10.2 focuses on promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all individuals, irrespective of their background or status. The article emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of safety and caring within the community, indicating the relevance of this SDG and target.

3. Sustainable Development Goal: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

The article discusses the impact of trauma on communities affected by natural disasters, wars, or large-scale traumatic events. SDG 16 aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. Target 16.1 focuses on reducing all forms of violence and related death rates. The article mentions initiatives such as anti-gang and anti-teen violence programs as examples of efforts to address community trauma, indicating the relevance of this SDG and target.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: wrbl.com

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