Conference / Festival Quatre Chemins / 21st edition
The impact of collective and individual trauma on the personal development of young people in Port-au-Prince
While writers, actors, dancers, poets, among others, have gratified us with their performances, the master’s degree student in psychology at the Faculty of Human Sciences (FASCH), Lourdya Blaise, spoke with the audience about trauma. Structured around the theme "Youth and Trauma, analysis of the impact of collective and individual trauma on the personal development of young people living in Port-au-Prince between 2010-2024", this conference gave rise to enriching discussions. During this meeting, moderated by Michaël Formilus, Ms. Blaise showed how the events that have taken place in the country have caused cases of trauma among Haitians.
According to the student, citing the American Psychological Association, we speak of trauma as a consequence of trauma. The latter is explained by the fact that we feel threatened, whether it is the person in question or their loved ones. However, she specifies that a collective trauma remains depending on the impact that the event has on the individual. To illustrate her remarks, she mentioned the earthquake of January 12, 2010, considered a collective trauma, insofar as it still occupies our minds. This tragedy reminds us of the disappearance of our loved ones and enormous losses. This is the case of a trauma that becomes a collective trauma.
For the student, it should be emphasized that when an event occurs, some people are traumatized and others are not. According to him, the violence of armed gangs is not perceived in the same way, says Ms. Blaise. There are people who have fled their homes but are not traumatized. In fact, some people see traumatic situations as a passing event, she says.
The speaker also spoke about collective trauma, which, according to him, preoccupies the mind, even if we no longer experience it. It manifests itself in several forms: lack of sleep, fear psychosis, intrusive thoughts, intense heartbeat, etc. Generally, symptoms related to trauma are hard to die. When it persists, it becomes acute stress. To deal with it, we must talk to other people. If the situation persists, acute stress turns into a phase of post-traumatic stress; in this case, we must confide in a trusted person or go see a mental health specialist, she advises.
In her presentation, Lourdya Bazile also drew attention to the psychological state of children in these times. According to the presenter, children are also facing this crisis situation, even if they do not talk about it to their parents. As much as adults, children also plan their future. Faced with flouted school years, they become pensive and worried, she stressed. They withdraw. The child who used to be brilliant can become violent and perform less well at school. Parents are called upon to listen to them and understand them.
A good moment of exchange, rich in practical advice. The audience participated fully. In turn, the presenter invites them to breathe better and meditate. "We live in a country where worries mix, we must take time for ourselves, do sports, eat well, make sure that the sleeping space is clean and take time for ourselves. There is more than one way to find calm," recalls the psychologist.
Gertrude Jean-Louis
Très beau article,
December 11, 2024 - 06:52:08 PMTout pour l'art et la culture.
CSimon Publishing:
December 11, 2024 - 09:45:08 PMJe tiens à féliciter chaleureusement l’organisation du Salon du Livre de Port-au-Prince pour cette initiative remarquable qui met en lumière la richesse de la littérature haïtienne et offre une plateforme aux jeunes auteurs du pays. En cette époque de nombreux défis sociaux et politiques, il est inspirant de voir un groupe de jeunes, animé par la passion de la culture et des arts, s’engager pour offrir à la ville de Port-au-Prince un espace d’expression et de réflexion intellectuelle.
L’ambition de créer un Salon du Livre à l’image des grandes villes du monde est un projet ambitieux, mais ô combien nécessaire pour la promotion de la lecture et de la culture. Cette deuxième édition promet de rassembler des voix importantes de la littérature haïtienne et de permettre à de nouveaux talents d’émerger, contribuant ainsi à dynamiser le secteur du livre en Haïti. C’est une belle preuve de résilience et de détermination que de croire que, même en période de crise, la culture et la littérature peuvent offrir un éclairage pour un avenir meilleur.
Je félicite également la présence des invités prestigieux tels que Marc Exavier, Évelyne Trouillot, et Dédé Dorcely, qui, par leurs contributions, enrichissent cette fête littéraire et participent activement à la valorisation de la littérature haïtienne. Le Salon du Livre de Port-au-Prince représente véritablement un espace de rencontre, d’échange et d’inspiration pour les jeunes écrivains et les lecteurs passionnés.
Bravo à tous les organisateurs et participants pour leur engagement à offrir à Port-au-Prince un événement culturel d’une telle envergure. Ce salon incarne l’espoir, la résistance et l’avenir de la culture haïtienne.