Today marks 47 years since the historical landmark uprising of June 16 in 1976, yet our collective trauma lingers like an uninvited guest. It was on this day, that the disenfranchised and oppressed youth, decidedly, unified and defied government’s order to be taught in Afrikaans. As recorded by numerous historians and commentators, June 16’s pivotal role intensified momentum, that would ultimately contribute to the dismantling of apartheid. Although today South Africa commemorates Freedom Day, it is regrettable that the prevailing, overriding mood and sentiment is that of hardship, if not despair.

From the energy crisis, with loadshedding adversely impacting our socio-economic status… the lack of stability in maintaining jobs that are so desperately needed, the scourge of youth unemployment and the bleak state of our graduates who still find themselves jobless, water and food insecurity impacting the most vulnerable within our communities, our governing structures’ muddled and misplaced priorities, among all the other myriad of ills we face today… as South Africans, we seem to be in a vortex of an abyss.

There is school of thought that our historical trauma has brought us to this point. Studies show and have proven a case of the negative effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is an undeniable fact that as South Africans, we are a nation suffering from PTSD. In an article by Daily Maverick’s Citizen Editor, Mark Heywood, South Africans in rage – can we work together and overcome the trauma within us?, we are presented with a challenge to really dig deep and review the status quo. Like many South Africans, Heal SA is concerned about the state of our country. More than ever, the time is now that – as individuals, families, friends and communities we take the proverbial ‘bull by its horns’ and seize the challenge of reclaiming back our power. Remember the saying that ‘With every challenge lies an opportunity’?

We must unite and recapture our once shared spirit of hope and joy so palpably and jubilantly celebrated at the dawn of our democracy. Afterall, for most of us this beautiful beloved Mzansi is the only home we have and that we will ever know. It is in our best interest to salvage what we can for the sake of our children and future generations. As our nation grapples with its complicated past and uncertain future, all people must have access to the resources that can benefit their mental health.

Heal SA is declaring October as South Africa’s “Trauma Awareness Month,” in line with 17 October – as World Trauma Day”. It is our belief that an acute and heightened awareness of our current state of being as a nation is one point to revisit our healing journey and as such begin to reclaim our collective power back – as individuals, to communities, and society at large.