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Trauma doesn\u2019t always come wrapped in drama. It can look like the quiet anxiety of someone who grew up in a tense household, now brushing off their stress as simply \u201chow life is\u201d. Mc Farlane explains, \u201cSometimes our lived experiences might seem normal, or we avoid thinking about traumatic experiences because facing it\u2014and not knowing how to cope with the feelings it evokes\u2014is overwhelming.\u201d That first step\u2014recognising what we carry\u2014is the gateway to healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But she cautions against playing psychologist for others. Diagnosing mental issues, she says, should be left to professionals. A mental illness is a diagnosed condition that affects thought patterns, emotions, and behaviour over the long term. A mental health problem, on the other hand, might be temporary but still impactful. The signs aren\u2019t always loud. Co-workers might notice subtle shifts\u2014a meticulous colleague making frequent mistakes, or an engaged team member becoming withdrawn or edgy. These could signal a mental illness, but they might also reflect temporary stress, burnout, or personal challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a society where work often dominates our time, Mc Farlane emphasises the need for a healthy work-life balance. Stress, she explains, is an inherent part of life, but chronic stress\u2014the kind that never lets up\u2014takes a toll. According to science, chronic stress floods the body with cortisol, a hormone that, over time, weakens the immune system. \u201cIt wears down both body and mind and contributes to the onset of serious health issues like hypertension, anxiety, mood disorders, non-communicable diseases, and autoimmune illnesses that further complicate family dynamics. Their bodies are screaming what their minds hadn\u2019t yet processed, or what they\u2019ve been ignoring,\u201d she adds. A quick walk or a moment of silence are simple techniques that can help us offload. \u201cRemember, we can\u2019t pour from an empty cup. Getting help and taking care of yourself allows you to show up as the partner, parent, and person you want to be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to healing. In Trinidad and Tobago, as in many places, deeply rooted cultural taboos often silence those in pain… [continued – see link below]<\/p>\n\n\n\n