97
3.9 Thoughts and hopes for the future
One effect of trauma is often to block ability to think about the future . Yet the present is composed of the future as well as the past . Our plans , hopes and dreams colour how we feel now . Survivors are burdened by their memories and past experiences but also by uncertainties about their migration status , economic security , personal security , and links with family . Helpers can help them to revive their hopes of the future . This is not easy when survivors are in despair , have no dreams or have dreams that cannot be achieved . The challenge is to quicken their dreams but also to make their dreams feasible and realistic .
In a perfect world , it would be possible to refer survivors for further treatment when they need it . In reality , access to mental health care in low-income countries is still extremely poor , and there is a serious shortage of mental health care workers . However , most countries have large numbers of community workers and other types of helper , who can be deployed to deliver mental health care if they have the necessary knowledge and skills . Hopefully , this manual will assist helpers to equip themselves to support survivors in their difficult situations .
HELP AND ACTION