Cycles of Violence - Generational trauma

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness,

but instead expose them.

Ephesians 5:11

Generational Trauma

Generational Trauma: is a term introduced to describe years of generational struggle in families and communities. It is the transmission (or passing down to future generations) of a historical event’s oppressive or painful effects.

Generational Trauma

Many Generations are badly affected by the transfer of historical trauma, leading to generations of emotional detachment, protective practices around emotional expression, denial, and can even result in violence.

Those who have or develop mental illnesses face stigmatization by their community largely due to misunderstanding and disconnect between tradition and culture.

Everyone is subject to generational trauma; however certain groups are more sensitive than others owing to their history. If the trauma or abuse is still occurring, it’s critical to break the cycle, which may need a lot of encouragement and support.

The Civil War

In El Salvador, the root of all trauma began with the Salvadoran civil war. The war lasted from October 15, 1979, to January 16, 1992, and was fought between the military-led government of El Salvador and the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front. This war claimed the lives of approximately 75,000 Salvadorans.

Normal daily chores for the typical Salvadoran interrupted by military personnel

Gang Violence

The cycle of violence continued with the gang culture that emerged after the 12-year civil war ended in 1992. The acts committed are unrivaled in terms of cruelty and scope of violence. El Salvador is commonly recognized as the deadliest place on the planet that isn't a war zone, although it may just as well be.

Population & Social Structure

El Salvador has left a trail of crime, poverty, and sociopolitical turmoil after decades of trauma and brutality, including a civil war and current political instability.

Anxiety, depression, alcoholism, and suicide are the mental disorders with the highest prevalence. More than 6 million individuals are served by only 225 mental health workers in El Salvador, meaning mental health treatments and resources are scarce and desperately needed.

Quantitative Data- This graph shows the illnesses and the age groups affected in the country, with depression and anxiety being the top recorded on the chart.

It’s important to understand that many people who suffer with their mental health may not always be reactive to the help they are provided, that’s why its important to provide a facility well equipped with the resources and empathy to be able to cater and help struggling individuals.

Proposal

Implementing legislative change that improves accessibility to mental health resources, will break these intergenerational loops, as well as the violence that is prevalent in the communities.

I am proposing a multifaceted mental health center that address institutional issues within the country of El Salvador, from the civil war to new more contemporary issues such as gang violence. 

Overall Goal

Addressing the issue going on in El Salvador which can serve as an example for other neighboring countries going through similar issues. Providing a solution can improve local issues within the country rather than leading people to seek asylum and fleeing to other countries to spread the problem. This center will work to help citizens cope with the dire conditions that are compelling thousands to leave. 

This change can enhance and bring awareness of mental health to the Hispanic community, by breaking down traditional and cultural walls regarding how the community perceives mental health.

The engine of long-term growth is a healthy population. When such a huge percentage of the population is affected by mental illness, acknowledging the problem and accepting help are major barriers to overcoming these health issues.