#resilency

Article, Photos and Video by: Solmaira Valerio

Article, Photos Solmaira Valerio

I started off my project by exploring how mental health was adressed in South Africa. I was curious about the types of media that economically disadvantaged communities utilized to address mental health and if mental health was even something that was addressed. Throughout my experience I found that although the phrase “ mental health” is not frequently used or brought up in conversations there are still people and organizations working towards addressing trauma, conflict and healing. Soweto Kliptown Youth ( SKY ) is one of the oldest surviving organizations in Soweto. It is a non-profit organization that aims to serve the mental and physical needs of the local neglected children and youth. The township is one of the most impoverished areas of Johannesburg, South Africa. They do not have access to professional mental health services. SKY provides a safe space for children and youth to live in and they utilize creative activities such as art, theatre, music, and dancing as a way to address internal conflicts to promote healing. 

Has anyone ever done a study on happy childhoods leading to more success / less or more resilency to bad stuff when it happens ?

Is there any correlation between bad childhood success and good childhood success? I’m not talking poverty mind you.

In Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), resilience is an essential factor that enables professionals to provide effective and compassionate support to individuals affected by trauma. In its guidance for a trauma-informed approach, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has identified key elements of resilience. By understanding and incorporating these elements, TIC workers…