May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the National Alliance on Mental Health is joining with the nationwide movement to further raise awareness of mental health. The point of a nationally recognized awareness month is to increase support, further education and advocate for policies to assist those with mental illnesses, along with fighting the stigma surrounding these conditions as well as providing support to sufferers. Mental health conditions can be life altering and nearly paralyzing in their effects, making mental health an area of health that deserves more focus. 

Human Trafficking and Mental Health

Many people suffer from mental health conditions without any outside forces causing them additional problems. However, for those who have been victimized by the human trafficking industry, the trauma experienced from such a life-threatening and demeaning situation can bring about many types of mental conditions that stay with the victims long after the trauma itself is over. This is true even if the victims had no previous history of mental illness. The psychological and physical abuse that goes along with human trafficking often causes severe emotional and mental health aftereffects. These can lead to continued substance abuse, instances of depression, anxiety, and more. That is why at Saved in America, we are so committed to following through after a rescue and helping the victims heal from their ordeal. 

Saved in America and After Care

Saved in America is of course committed to finding and rescuing girls who have been victimized by the human trafficking industry. However, their help doesn’t end with the rescue. In fact, it only begins there. After rescue, SIA helps victims find safe houses or rehabilitation centers where they can get the help they need to heal from the trauma they have endured. 

While no amount of therapy or rehabilitation will take away the experience of being victimized by the industry, the professional counselors and therapists can help victims turn their tragedy into triumph. They can heal from their ordeal and go on to live productive, happy lives. In some cases, former victims will go on to help other victims just coming out of trafficking. After all, they know exactly what these victims are going through, because they have lived through it. The national focus on mental health in May provides a perfect opportunity to share the work that SIA does on this front to help victims heal and recover.