SEEK-GSP at the 8th Regional Conference: Professor Ethel’s Presentation on Trauma and Independent Living

SEEK-GSP at the 8th Regional Conference:

Professor Ethel’s Presentation on Trauma and Independent Living

On October 16, 2024, SEEK-GSP had the privilege of participating in the 8th Regional Conference on Livelihood and Mental Health for Forced Migration, held at the Protea Hotel Kololo in Uganda. The conference, organized by the Refugee Law Project (RLP) with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, brought together experts, academics, and practitioners to discuss how livelihood initiatives and mental health support can foster self-reliance for forced migrants.

Professor Ethel’s Insightful Presentation

At this prestigious event, Professor Ethel represented SEEK-GSP and delivered a powerful presentation on "How Trauma Impacts One’s Potential for Independent Living." Her presentation highlighted the long-term effects of trauma on individuals’ ability to achieve self-sufficiency, especially among forced migrants who experience heightened socio-economic and mental health vulnerabilities. Professor Ethel’s key points emphasized: The Mental Health Effects of Trauma: Many forced migrants suffer from conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which affect their ability to make independent decisions, maintain stable employment, and rebuild their lives. Challenges to Independent Living: Trauma often manifests as a loss of self-confidence, diminished trust in others, and social withdrawal, all of which impede the journey toward independent living. The Role of Mental Health Support: Professor Ethel underscored the importance of integrating mental health care with livelihood programs. By addressing the invisible wounds of trauma, forced migrants are more likely to regain their self-worth and strive for independent living.

Key Takeaways from the Conference

The conference was a unique platform for exploring inclusive approaches to mental health and livelihood for forced migrants. Stakeholders from various fields, including policy makers, mental health practitioners, and academics, engaged in rich discussions about the pressing need for more holistic interventions to address the intertwined challenges of trauma, mental health, and economic vulnerability. As a leading advocate for mental health in the African region, SEEK-GSP continues to be at the forefront of these critical conversations, ensuring that mental health and trauma recovery are key components of sustainable livelihoods for the displaced and vulnerable populations.

What’s Next for SEEK-GSP?

We look forward to building on the discussions from this conference by continuing our trauma-informed mental health interventions. We are also excited to explore future collaborations with universities, certified psychologists, and government agencies to expand our programs across the region. By doing so, SEEK-GSP remains committed to improving the mental health literacy and independent living capacity of those impacted by trauma. Stay tuned for more updates on our programs and events!