UCT fire: Emotional effects linger longer

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Student Wellness Service (SWS) has seen an uptick in the number of students who require psychosocial support following the large campus fire and subsequent evacuation three weeks ago.

Dr Memory Muturiki, the director of SWS told UCT News that for some students it’s not been “business as usual”. Instead, a few have been struggling to navigate their emotions and effectively deal with the events that unfolded on Sunday, 18 April. Most students returned to residences on Thursday, 22 April, after spending four days at temporary accommodation sites across the city.

“It’s been a very difficult few weeks for our students, and many are still experiencing a range of anxieties. But we are committed to helping them through this difficult time,” Dr Muturiki said.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

According to Muturiki, some students’ symptoms clearly indicate signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

She said some have reported that they are experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, and others have become withdrawn, isolating themselves from their peers. Some students, she added, are also experiencing academic stress; the anxiety associated with catching up with their academic programmes following the week-long suspension has been “a heavy load to bear”.

“The tell-tale signs that go hand-in-hand with PTSD include finding it difficult to sleep, social phobia, panic disorder, avoidant behaviour and substance abuse.”

“This is trauma speaking. It’s the trauma that comes with being displaced and not knowing whether your personal belongings will be lost or not. It’s an awful experience,” she said.

Muturiki explained that PTSD presents itself in a number of ways. Typically, patients present with symptoms a few weeks after a traumatic incident. However, she said that in rare instances, some patients can go a long time before a trigger event sets in and they begin to experience their first PTSD symptoms. The tell-tale signs that go hand-in-hand with PTSD include finding it difficult to sleep, social phobia, panic disorder, avoidant behaviour and substance abuse.

Interestingly, Muturiki said that not everyone who has been exposed to trauma will develop PTSD. Those with pre-existing mental health illnesses are said to be more at risk, so no symptoms should not be ignored. 

“We are here to hold our students’ hands and to help them through this time.”

SWS peer counsellor and social worker Mary Clark said: “Some students I supported had pre-existing mental health problems. It appears that the trauma of the fire triggered [previously neglected] psychological issues, such as bereavement and loss. We are here to hold our students’ hands and to help them through this time.”

24-hour mental health support

Muturiki said that SWS has been facilitating numerous workshops that focus on how best to cope following a traumatic incident, and debriefing sessions are still underway for those who need it. She added that the telephonic counselling service has also increased its hours and counsellors are readily available to support students.

She encouraged students to make use of the support structures the university has in place. She reiterated that SWS has a highly skilled multidisciplinary team of psychiatric nurses, social workers, psychologists and doctors who are available to assist at any time.

“PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced trauma, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness.”

“My advice to students who are struggling would be to not delay seeking professional help and speak to someone as early as possible. It’s very important that they are assisted through all of this. PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced trauma, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness,” Muturiki concluded.