Clinical psychologist Ophelia Boma Azure has highlighted the significant psychological effects experienced by individuals evacuated following xenophobic incidents in South Africa, urging families and communities to provide emotional support during their recovery.
Speaking in an interview on Bullet TV’s Morning Target, she said emotions such as anger, frustration, and humiliation are common reactions among people who have endured traumatic experiences.
“Anger, frustration, and humiliation are key psychological indicators.”
According to Ophelia Boma Azure, evacuees should not feel compelled to repeatedly recount or justify their traumatic experiences, as doing so may worsen emotional distress.
“Evacuees should refrain from over-explaining their trauma.”
She also emphasised the important role families can play in helping returning evacuees recover by creating a supportive and understanding environment.
“Families of evacuees should offer psychological support.”
The psychologist encouraged relatives and loved ones to listen without judgment, respect the privacy of those affected, and encourage professional mental health care where necessary, noting that emotional recovery is an important part of rebuilding lives after traumatic events.