Lagos, Jan. 13, 2026 (NAN) Mr Samuel Pender, the National President of Association of Trauma Healing Facilitators (ASTHEF), advises those undergoing any form of trauma or emotional pain to always speak out and seek help on time.
Pender told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that this was necessary for the early interventions needed to save the individuals from sinking into any form of depression.
He said while it was natural for anyone to experience pains when confronted with unpleasant situations, the ability to live above the challenges was key.
He noted that some individuals’ inability to forgive themselves or others when offended were part of the reasons some people ended up being traumatised and eventually end up depressed, in most cases.
The trauma expert underscored the need for people not to allow themselves to be overwhelmed by whatever challenge that might come their way.
According to him, poverty, abuses (physical, emotional, verbal, sexual), rejection, past failures, neglect, losses, and exposure to crime, kidnapping, domestic violence or addiction issue are all predisposing factors to trauma.
“The first step to healing from trauma is to speak out about the experiences and eventually seek help, rather than bottle up the pains as some people often suffer in silence.
“People fall into depression not because they experience normal life challenges, but because they bottled the pains/emotions.
“Always find someone to speak to whenever burdened, particularly when emotionally down in order to stay afloat of the challenges no matter how grievous they might be,” he said.
Pender, who described trauma as a “silent killer”, said it was a major issue in Nigeria, with many people suffering in silence.
He called for increased support, education and sensitisation about trauma so that people would be more informed about the skills and knowledge needed to manage trauma.
“Awareness about trauma is very low; a lot of people still do not know what to do when traumatised, which often lead them to more dangerous situation of depression or even suicide.
“The effects of trauma can follow throughout one’s life, especially if the individual do not seek help from a therapist or mental health professional.
“Hence, the need for increased awareness and support for trauma victims, including counselling, therapy, and other forms of assistance needed to create a safe space for people to share their experiences and receive support,” he said.
According to him, a stable mind is necessary for personal growth and development, adding that it is important for individuals to heal from past traumas and be equipped.(NAN)
