Experts agree trial of Afzaal family murders could retraumatize. Here's their advice to cope
Isha Bhargava | CBC News | Posted: September 13, 2023 9:00 AM | Last Updated: September 13, 2023
'Don't hesitate to talk to people because that's how we can collectively cope with this tragedy,' says Imam
The jury trial in the case against the man accused of first degree murder in the deaths of a London Muslim family has already brought video evidence, audio and images forward just three days into an eight-week judicial process.
While many hope it will lead to justice for the Afzaal family, it will also be painful.
"It made my heartbeat faster and I've had a harder time sleeping," said Dr. Javeed Sukhera, chief of Psychiatry at Hartford Hospital. "Hearing and confronting the amount of hate with which the crime took place can bring anyone back to that day, to those memories, and to the streets where this took place."
Sukhera, who worked in London and knew the Afzaal family, is a top expert in racial trauma and knows how triggering the evidence and testimonies in this trial will be for others.
"There's reminders of what happened and grief for what we lost, but also a lot of triggers related to the nature of the crime, the details of the trial, and questions about whether justice will be served," Sukhera told CBC's London Morning Tuesday.
Sukhera says racial trauma is a term used to describe cumulative effects of experiencing racial discrimination over time. He said trauma from an experience isn't just limited to what happened, but also how it's processed.
He explains that the impacts of racial trauma can include being hypervigilant toward events and relating them to racism. Some may emotionally numb as a coping mechanism, and others can feel physical symptoms like anxiety, trouble sleeping, and struggling to concentrate.
Find community and feel emotions
He encourages people to give themselves space to feel nuanced emotions instead of shutting them down, and to seek community to process the shared grief.
"Having the knowledge that none of us were meant to have to go through this alone, and finding support with others and people that we trust can be very helpful," Sukhera said.
Naseeha Mental Health is a peer-support helpline in Mississauga, Ont., that addresses unique mental health challenges Muslim youths face, but is also open to people of other faiths.
Naseeha's director Muhsin Kermalli said the registered charity's biggest focus is around breaking the stigma around mental health and seeking support in immigrant communities.
"When people have that sense of comfort knowing there are people who can support them, it allows that stigma to life off their shoulders and they're able to talk about these issues," he said.
"That journey of just being able to talk about your emotions can significantly alter and change people's mental state."
Reach out to talk
Kermalli said the trial is reopening many wounds that can cause trauma to build up over time. Watching the trial has evoked many mixed emotions for Kermalli as well, he said.
"On one hand justice is something we all believe in and a fabric of our society, but this also brings up emotions and triggers trauma."
Imam Aarij Anwer, who is Western University's Muslim Chaplain, said specific details are tough for people to process. His message to people is to continue staying strong and seek help if needed.
"Don't hesitate to talk to people because that's how we can collectively cope with this tragedy. We trust the system and we pray that it will deliver the correct and appropriate sentencing," he said.
Anyone looking to access mental health supports can call or text Naseeha's helpline at 1 (866) 627-3342. Or call the Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration at 519-672-6000 ext 309.
LISTEN | What is racial trauma?: