White Africans & PTSD

White Africans & PTSD, an unpopular topic

There have been many studies done & there a lot of worldwide support for African refugees & survivors of war & violence.  The vast majority of these focus on populations who have lived through or been involved with genocide, & rightfully so.  They almost all exclude white Africans & PTSD .  Although this population group is relatively small, it includes a large number of men who have seen combat, & families who have experienced crime – Either as criminals or victims.

The African Bush wars were long, & fought mainly by young men. These men come from a time & place that now exists only in history. There is little or no national or international will to assist them because they are dying out.  They exist as minority groups, & unless they have found a way to accept the new country, flag & anthem of the world they live in, are de facto stateless.

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Many white Africans have suffered both in the pre & post democracy days of Africa.  The celebrations that follow elections are often exciting, but quickly replaced by the crime wave that sweeps countries as a result of instant, mass urbanisation.

During this period where individuals & opposing factions tackle reconciliation, rebuilding a country & dealing with the economic meltdown that follows war, there is seldom any chance to recuperate.  Instead, old angers & frustrations play out as places are renamed, laws change daily but are often unenforced, & the short-term ensuing chaos feels more like a nightmare than a dream.

Politics aside, many fought because they had to, & any anti-war expression was seen as treacherous & cowardly. Soldiers are not encouraged to think & have opinions, & people who live in this reality long enough are unlikely to have the inclination to revisit their demons.  Just as well, considering the lack of resources or information available to guide them down this path.

This section aims to explore white African PTSD, promote awareness of this phenomenon, & signpost to existing resources. 

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Credits

Image is CC Licence , Erik Hash Hersman , background cropped