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Survivors of human trafficking often suffer mental health consequences as a result of their experience(s), showing high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.
As the increased quarantine protocols, lock-down measures and restrictions for covid-19 continue, many survivors may find that the added anxiety, isolation and stress result in triggers and mental health issues resurfacing that may have been previously manageable.
The lack of control and what is coming next can leave many on constant high alert.
According to psychotherapist, Haley Neidich, "When you remove even the possibility of leaving your home and interacting in person with other humans, the risk factors for worsening mental health issues are astounding ... humans are not meant to live in solitude long term and this lack of support and human connection is frequently traumatic."
The restrictions can be very challenging for survivors of any form of abuse or violence for a number of reasons:
โข Wearing and seeing others wearing face masks can be difficult and triggering, especially if their mouth or face was covered by an abuser/trafficker
โข Social distancing cuts people off from their "normal" connections with support systems and healthy coping routines
โข Additional police and security measures can be triggering and heighten anxiety
โข Feeling trapped, and a lack of control and choice can remind survivors of those same experiences connected to their trauma, and trigger old memories, emotions, impacts, and ways of coping
โข Survivors that were controlled by people who may have claimed to care for them can be triggered by lock-downs and being ingrained with mistrust can make it harder to comply with restrictions
โข Anxiety, depression, feelings of panic and such ... or other health impacts of trauma can become worse if you live alone
โข People may not able to access their usual face-to-face support with a therapist, counselor or support group
โก๏ธ Being connected to other people is a key way in which survivors regain a sense of safety in the world. So, if youโre struggling in any way through all of this, please know that you are not alone! There is support available.
๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ - https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/looking-for-local-resources-support/
๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ is available @ 1-833-456-4566 or by texting 45645 (Text, 4 p.m. to midnight ET only)
๐๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฉ ๐๐ก๐จ๐ง๐ can be reached 24 hours a day to Canadians aged 5 to 29 by calling @ 1-800-668-6868 or texting CONNECT to 686868. Download their "Always There" app to access a live chat counselling service.
๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฉ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ is available to all Indigenous peoples across Canada who need immediate crisis intervention. Call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect to the online Hope for Wellness chat.
๐๐ข๐๐ฅ #๐๐๐ if you want to connect to community and social services in your area.