Health
Why childhood trauma often mistaken for spiritual attacks – Psychiatrists
Idowu Abdullahi
A Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Sunday Amosu, has said many children suffering from trauma are often wrongly labelled as having spiritual problems.
Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise, he said that instead of parents and guardians ensuring such children receive appropriate psychological care, they are taken for deliverance.
The psychiatrist said cultural beliefs often lead people to attribute behaviours they do not understand to spiritual causes, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.
Amosu said, “Often, in our culture, many things we do not understand are attributed to spiritual causes. Many people who are actually suffering from trauma are labelled as having spiritual problems.
“But in reality, their behaviour may simply be the result of trauma. They may become withdrawn, isolated, or behave differently from other children.”
The National Child Traumatic Network says a traumatic event is a frightening, dangerous, or violent event that poses a threat to a child’s life or bodily integrity.
It added that witnessing a traumatic event that threatens the life or physical security of a loved one can also be traumatic.
“This is particularly important for young children, as their sense of safety depends on the perceived safety of their attachment figures.
“Traumatic experiences can initiate strong emotions and physical reactions that can persist long after the event,” it added.
Speaking further, Amosu noted that rather than seeking to understand the underlying causes of such behavioural changes, many people compare affected children with their peers.
The mental health expert warned that such comparisons could worsen the emotional challenges faced by children living with trauma.
Amosu said, “Instead of understanding the situation, people begin to compare them with other children. Sometimes they are taken for spiritual deliverance instead of receiving proper psychological care.
“When children become depressed, people may accuse them of being lazy or stubborn, which only worsens the situation.”
The psychiatrist urged Nigerians to adopt a more informed and compassionate approach to children showing signs of emotional distress.
He stressed that trauma could affect anyone and should not be dismissed or misunderstood because of prevailing cultural beliefs.
The psychiatrist said, “Our attitude towards trauma must change. We must understand that many behaviours we see on the surface have deeper causes. We must also remember that trauma can happen to anyone.”
He added that traumatic experiences could result from accidents and other life-threatening events, leading to sudden changes in a child’s behaviour.
Amosu said, “Their behaviour may suddenly change, and people may not understand why. So we need to approach such situations with understanding and compassion.”
Also speaking in an earlier interview, a consultant psychiatrist, Dr. Samuel Aladejare, advised that once the trauma is acknowledged, seeking professional help becomes vital.
He said a mental health specialist can guide individuals through appropriate therapy, which may involve revisiting the traumatic experiences in a safe setting and learning coping mechanisms.
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