World Gospel Mission Helping Haitian Earthquake Survivors with PTSD

Media Advisory: April 14, 2010, (PCTV Newsdesk)

After the January 12th earthquake devastated Haiti, aid addressing physical needs became the top priority for many relief organizations. But catastrophes like this can leave survivors struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), crippling individuals and communities over extended periods of time. In response, World Gospel Mission (WGM), a missionary-sending organization based in Indiana, is partnering with Radio Lumière where survivors are receiving counseling from a licensed counselor.

WGM has been partnering with Radio Lumière for many years and is committed to providing long-term relief in Haiti with a strong focus on sharing the gospel. The largest Protestant radio station in Haiti, Radio Lumière has been a source of hope, delivering inspiration from Scripture, serving as a distribution point for aid, and being a conduit for news.

"It became apparent to our missionary staff in Haiti that there was a need for help in terms of dealing with the immense loss on a psychological level," said Tim Rickel, WGM's Vice President of Communication.

WGM sent licensed professional Sheryl Landis to Haiti in March to conduct counseling sessions. She first met with the Radio Lumière staff as a group and explained PTSD and some of the symptoms. The staff had lost three coworkers in the earthquake, and many had lost friends and family members. In addition to counseling 68 people during her week in Haiti, Sheryl also participated in two talk shows that discussed PTSD. According to Landis, some of the PTSD symptoms she encountered were flashbacks, nightmares, intense distress and fear, physical pain and nausea, and a sense of hypervigilance. Victims struggled with depression, hopelessness, and survivor's guilt.

"Our main message was to assure them that they were having normal reactions to an abnormal event," said Landis. She added that while severe cases will need medical treatment, most survivors will recover in time: "They will find a new routine and a new normal that will bring hope."

Landis plans to return to Haiti in June to do follow-up care.

WGM continues to support the ministry of Radio Lumière. To help this station continue to be an outreach to the people of Haiti, please visit www.wgm.org/haitiquake