Restore meaning and elasticity to victims of trauma

The debate about returning to work (RTW) has intensified for years since. COVID-19 (COVID-19) Lockdown. While many of these discussions focus on workplace flexibility and employer policies, the ability to return to meaningful work is more than just a financial need, especially for individuals who have experienced immigration trauma. This is an important step towards healing, stability and rebuilding their lives.

“As a job Treatment“It refers to using employment as a structured treatment tool to help individuals process and recover from trauma. A consistent work environment can provide a sense of purpose, achievement and control. Displacementwar, or other trauma event.

Research shows That long-term unemployment can get worse PTSD Symptoms can greatly assist in mental health recovery once they return to a structured workforce. The key benefits of the treatment work include:

Structure and routines. Research shows Its regular daily life (e.g. hygiene, healthy eating, sleep, home duties, exercise, leisure, social activities, work/research involvement, etc.) is inversely associated with PTSD symptoms.

A sense of accomplishment. Complete tasks and configurations the goal I grow up at work Self-efficacy Improves self-esteem.

Social connection. Engaging with colleagues can provide a support system and help reduce quarantine. These close relationships areProvide social support to regulate emotions and help relieve trauma-driven fears. Social bonding Cans can also be made Promotes faster recovery Among people developing post-traumatic trauma stress Post-traumatic disorder (PTSD).

Skill development. Learning new skills will be enhanced Confidence And it allows individuals to control their future.

A meaningful purpose. Finding value at work can help you restore the sense of Identity After the trauma.

Case Study: Supporting Armenian refugees and veterans through employment

The impact of work as a treatment is particularly pronounced among migrants and refugees facing forced transition. On September 19, 2023, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh were forced to flee to Armenia following a nine-month blockade and military attacks by Azerbaijan. todayArmenia is refugee, with about 52,000 working ages and the remaining 48% of children and over 65 children and elderly people dependent on them.

For these displaced people, reintegration of employment and labor is important for their well-being and for the reintegration of those who depend on them. Many refugees, including skilled professionals such as doctors and teachers, are keen to return to work, but face barriers such as certification and training requirements.

Professional retraining and certification

The Armenian Relief Fund (FAR) has adopted a proactive approach to help refugees integrate into the Armenian workforce. While working with the Armenian government and NGOs, FAR provides vocational training, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and employment services for Armenian citizens and Arthakh refugees.

In Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city, Far runs the Gyumri Information Technology Center (GITC). It equips individuals with technology skills and prepares them for work in Armenia’s growing IT sector. The program includes specialized courses for immigration and women, ensuring comprehensive access to employment. As of 2023, 98% of GITC graduates were in meaningful positions in the technical field.

FAR also has programs designed to help veterans re-enter the workforce. The program offers veteran programming, engineering, and 3D modeling training, providing efforts to improve employability and entrepreneurial skills. To date, more than 60% of the program’s 300 veterans have actively acquired skills in post-graduation employment.

Armenia is also well established with qualified doctors, nurses and other health professionals, especially in rural areas along the border. The influx of immigrant settlers in all regions only accelerates the situation.

While many refugee doctors and nurses are qualified professionals, practice in Armenia requires retraining and certification. Over 5,000 healthcare professionals (including 1,500 doctors and 500 nurses) received over 100 CPD training (equivalent to the US CME) through partnerships with various healthcare institutions both in Armenia and abroad. These newly trained and certified professionals often practice in underserved communities.

In early 2025, we held a medical training programme all the way to the distance. collaboration At Harvard University, international physicians will be holding workshops on Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS). This is an important skill for medical professionals working remotely. Such programs provide the necessary continuing medical care education (CME) Credits. Allows refugee doctors to meet Armenia’s licensing requirements and resume their occupation.

Another area that has found dual success in both patients and communities meets the growing need for mental health professionals. We recently conducted a nine-month “Introduction to Social Work Training Program” for 25 Artsakhi refugees. (We introduced one participant to a Previous Post. ) This program had a significant impact on participants, assessing the needs of other Arthakh families, and equipped with skills and knowledge to ensure that children’s rights were protected.

By providing the means for these victims of trauma to reenter the workforce, we don’t just build resilience and self-esteem. It also creates a stable flow of qualified certified professionals in underserved markets and regions that have a significant impact on the quality of life across the community.

Reintegration Strategy: Employers and Therapists’ Best Practices

Successful workforce survivors with trauma requires a thoughtful, trauma-based approach. Far strives to implement several key strategies for each of its client’s RTW programs.

• Gradual reintegration. A step-by-step approach allows individuals to return to work at a comfortable pace. Timing is everything to return to normal to work. the study It shows that there is a significant reduction in depressive symptoms in people returning to work within six months of trauma.
• Trauma information workplace. It is important to identify and work with employers who can provide flexibility, mental health resources, and support policies to promote positive outcomes.
• Collaboration with a therapist. Continuing coordination with mental health professionals ensures that the work responsibilities of trauma survivors are consistent with the recovery process and protocol.
• Personalized support. Recognizing that each trauma survivor has its own challenges and needs, mental health professionals should coordinate plans to support clients’ RTW journeys.
• A accommodation facility for work. Flexible scheduling, modified workloads, and mental health programs can help you succeed in the long term.

Resilience, stability, and work recovery

Returning to work is important for restructuring post-traumatic identity, self-worth and social connections. For refugees and other trauma survivors, employment can provide new sense of control, belonging and hope. However, reintegration must be handled thoughtfully and ensure that trauma survivors receive the support they need to transition to employees and society as a whole. By investing in targeted training programs, trauma-based workplace policies, and collaborative support systems, survivors of all types of trauma can regain their independence and contribute meaningfully to the community.