The Silent Cry for Help
Bringing Mental Health Support to the Traumatized
Michael was only 15 when rebels raided his town. His mother, two sisters, and younger brother scattered through a hail of gunfire that rained down for four days. Michael survived.
He never saw his family or home again. He walked for three days straight and eventually reached Rumbek. Over time, he forgot where he had come from. He even forgot his own name. It wasn’t until two years ago that someone recognized him and identified who he was.
Today Michael rarely speaks. Locals often see him under a tree near a church, holding his rosary beads in silent prayer. He unloads trucks to earn money so he can eat, and sleeps in a doorway. Michael needs treatment to address psychological wounds. But so many in this part of the world don’t find that help. Instead, they remain trapped in a prison of unresolved trauma.
The Trauma Epidemic
There’s a silent epidemic across Sudan and South Sudan afflicting victims of violence, disaster, and war. While Sudan Relief Fund and other aid organizations make great strides to provide physical care, many suffer quietly in less visible ways. This is why we support vital programs that provide trauma care and mental health treatment to victims.
Children and Girls in Peril
Families who make it to a refugee camp have lost everything–their homes, their livelihoods, their past way of life, and often people they love. They’re suffering incredible loss. When they arrive, they’re not only physically exhausted, they’re mentally and emotionally traumatized.
They’ve seen things children and families should never see. They’ve endured experiences children and families should never have to endure. Many are in desperate need of trauma support and mental health care in order to heal in meaningful ways.
Children and girls are particularly vulnerable. Children may have seen their parents die. They’re suddenly alone and terrified. Unaccompanied children are vulnerable to kidnapping. Some are forcibly conscripted into fighting as child soldiers, where they’re subjected to unimaginable terrors. These child survivors are in desperate need of mental and emotional care when rescued.
A silent epidemic of mental health struggles haunt many child survivors of war and disaster.
Injuries That Remain
Refugees bring traumatic experiences with them even after reaching places of physical refuge.
Kawther fled when her family was targeted because her husband was an army officer. While trying to get through a checkpoint, she and her 13-year-old son were detained at gunpoint. They were held for 15 days until they managed to escape during an uprising. When they arrived at a shelter, Kawther said she “broke down psychologically.” Her son also suffered mental trauma. The burden left her ridden with guilt and suicidal thoughts.
Bringing food, shelter, clean water, and medicine to displaced people is essential. But many carry internal wounds like these that also need treatment. If mental and emotional trauma is not addressed, victims may never be able to heal or reintegrate into society.
Sudan Relief Fund knows the importance of providing trauma care, safe spaces, and mental health treatment for those in need.
Psychological injuries of war can be as devastating and lasting as physical wounds.
Getting Support to the Traumatized
In Yambio, South Sudan, we support the Blue Sisters Trauma Center, which offers care for women and girls recovering from violence. Known for the bright color of their habits, the “Blue Sisters” offer a tranquil environment for the traumatized to recover through love, patience, prayer, and therapy. Their faith-based approach provides psychological and emotional support as well as spiritual encouragement.
Sister Ester described how victims often arrive in a state of shock, barely aware of reality. Nearly 100 women are receiving treatment at the community. “Our goal is to gradually integrate these women into society with adequate spiritual and mental stability, and a clear plan for their future.”
The Pope Francis Center for Peace and Wellness of Nzara is a Sudan Relief Fund sponsored facility that ministers to women and girls in crisis. The Center focuses on direct rescue, shelter, and care for women and their children, often who have become widows from violence and conflict. The facility provides safety, wellness support, and related services alongside local partners like the St. Theresa Mission Hospital Nzara.
Star Support Group (SSG) works in Yambio to help single mothers, widows, families, and orphans or vulnerable children. At SSG they find compassionate care, including medical, nutritional, and even long-term empowerment through skills development, to help them move forward with new lives.
The Blue Sisters restore hope and peace for women and girls scarred by traumatic events.
“This Help Can Change Lives”
Behati’s journey shows the impact mental health treatment can have. She fled with her children to a refugee camp after the war destroyed her small fruit-selling business. It was the last blow in her life after years of domestic abuse. Living under plastic sheeting in the camp, she developed severe anxiety, guilt, and suicidal thoughts.
When Behati was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, she received medication and counseling. She says it was transformative. “It has enhanced my mental and physical health, strengthened my social connections, and inspired me to pursue my aspirations with renewed hope.” She regained confidence and built a small coffee business. She declares, “this help can change lives.”
Help him find his voice again. Traumatized children need caring mental health support.
Stop Their Suffering
Your partnership with Sudan Relief Fund supports trauma recovery and mental health care for shattered people with invisible wounds that are as devastating as physical injury.
Treatment is a vital step in healing from trauma that can haunt a victim indefinitely. Without this care, victims may never achieve functional lives again.
The presence of this care makes all the difference. Your gifts support programs to help women and girls feel safe once more, to receive compassionate care instead of stigma, and to heal the psychological wounds of war, violence, and abuse.
Your support helps mothers like Kawther get back on their feet, and helps boys like Michael find their voice again. Your gifts make a future possible that’s free from torment – a future with hope.
Sharing their burden. Programs help widowed mothers cope with depression after life altering events.
PS — Thousands of women and children carry the emotional and psychological scars of trauma. Without help, their suffering continues. Will you reach out with a compassionate gift today?
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