What we do
We want to help immigrants who are suffering from PTSD overcome their stress and trauma. In order to do so, we created care packages containing several art supplies such as markers, and paints. Art will help relieve their stress and trauma from their previous experiences.
We interviewed our school counselor, and she has told us that art is a great idea to help the immigrants relieve their stress. She says that because art has no boundaries, the immigrants do not have to feel constricted to any types of rules. Our group fundraised in order to buy the boxes for the packages and the art supplies during an event at our school.
We interviewed our school counselor, and she has told us that art is a great idea to help the immigrants relieve their stress. She says that because art has no boundaries, the immigrants do not have to feel constricted to any types of rules. Our group fundraised in order to buy the boxes for the packages and the art supplies during an event at our school.
”Anything that you can do to [channel] emotions in a constructive... or uninhibited [way]... when you can be free to create... any sort of art where you can feel in control is really good for releasing [stress] in a positive and peaceful sort of way.”
- Tammy, Windward’s School Counselor
What is ptsd?
PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a condition where a person who has experienced trauma often has flashbacks of the event, or has difficulty recovering after witnessing such a tragedy. According to NIMH (National Institution of Mental Health), if PTSD symptoms last for longer than three months, the PTSD is chronic. Also, NIMH says that if the symptoms occur more than six months after the traumatic event, it is classified as delayed-onset PTSD.
what are the causes?
PTSD can be caused by many different factors. According to Mayo Clinic, some are stressful and traumatic experiences, which can affect the extremity of PTSD based on how severe the trauma is. Another is the way one's brain controls the chemicals and hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, released from their body in stressful situations. Inherited mental health issues can also be a cause of this disorder.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?
This disabling condition can result in increased stress in the individual. This disorder is very prevalent in youth and children. According to Mayo Clinic, some side effects of PTSD are insomnia, mistrust, flashbacks, fear and severe anxiety, and guilt and loneliness. These side effects can affect children's daily lives for the worse. PTSD can even become chronic.
refugees with ptsd
- statistics and data -
According to the PHR (Physicians for Human Rights) group, forced separation of children from their parents can lead to many detrimental side effects. Some of these negative side effects are that separating children from their parents can disrupt nuero-development, and sometimes lead to cognitive, social, and emotional impairment.
"For children, separation results in a low-support environment which places them at increased risk of PTSD and depressive disorders. The negative impact on the cognitive and emotional functioning of the affected children can continue into adulthood, and contribute to lower academic achievement, attachment difficulties, and poor mental health."
- Kathryn Hampton, PHR's asylum network program officer