On Monday, in collaboration with Families for Life and Healing Hands Network , Bosnia UK Network organised a Reiki training session. Families for Life is an independent and confidential counselling and support service aimed at families or individuals suffering from trauma. Its founder and psychologist, Nicola Beyahia, held a mental health training session at the Bosnian House for our members from Birmingham and Coventry, focusing on post-traumatic stress and trauma.
Mental health is not just the absence of a mental disorder. It is defined as a state of well-being in which each person realizes his potential, copes with the daily stress of life, can work productively and is able to contribute to his community. “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after a traumatic event. It is characterized by symptoms of re-experiencing the trauma (in the form of nightmares, recollections of the traumatic event and disturbing thoughts), avoidance of anything reminiscent of the traumatic event, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and symptoms of hyperarousal (feeling on edge, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, irritability and feelings of anger),” said Mrs. Beyahia.
She spoke about stress, tension, complex traumas, how they affect the lives of individuals and how to deal with them. It was an interactive gathering, with lots of questions and examples, where everyone was very interested in hearing about the symptoms and treatment of trauma. It is common knowledge that members of the Bosnian community in the UK went through the hell of war, and it is no secret that many still suffer from post-war syndrome and nightmares.
Meanwhile, in another part of the Bosnian House, Jayne from the humanitarian organization Healing Hands Network provided Reiki therapy services to those present. She invested her time and energy in ensuring that members of the Bosnian community relaxed, enjoyed themselves, and felt good. Afterwards, everyone had the opportunity to enjoy a hot lunch and specialties from our region.
