Coping with violent crime

In the wake of a tragic weekend marked by the murder of 19 individuals, The Catholic News reached out to Vicar General Fr Martin Sirju and well-known psychologist Margaret Nakhid-Chatoor for their perspectives on the escalating crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago.

Their reflections, which were aired on the Altos July 19 episode, highlight the profound societal impact and suggest pathways to healing and resilience.

Fr Sirju emphasised the need for both spiritual reflection and practical action. “What are we to do in the light of so many home invasions and murders, so much hate and anger? First, we must not lose hope nor heart,” Fr Sirju stated, reminding that “a light shines in the dark, and the dark did not overpower.”

Nakhid-Chatoor acknowledged the widespread impact of crime on mental health. She noted, “But as we have seen over the last few years, there has been a steady increase in violence in our country, an increase in gun homicides, especially among our young men. And this increase in violence and crime has taken a toll on our country’s collective mental health. And this is compounded by the continued presence of Covid-19, of job losses, of poverty, and the associated loss of loved ones who have died, either through Covid-19 or from gun violence or from crime.” Crime and violence, she said, has been identified as the key stressor for increasing mental ill health.

Both expressed empathy for those affected by crime. Fr Sirju said, “We feel your pain. We also feel this sense of powerlessness and a deeper national hurt.”

Nakhid-Chatoor elaborated on the psychological effects, explaining that “whether or not you have been a victim or you have witnessed a crime, this increases the risk of developing mental disorders in particular, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.”

Find your soul

Fr Sirju made a direct appeal to individuals involved in criminal activities: “…to think of what you are doing and do not inflict on others what you would not have done unto you. Find, I appeal to you, your soul once again.”

He advocated for a dual approach of prayer and action, summarised in the phrase Ora et labora (pray and work).

Nakhid-Chatoor offered practical strategies for coping with the stress of high crime rates. She spoke to the importance of limiting social media consumption to reduce anxiety and maintaining regular routines for meals, exercise, and sleep.

Physical activity, she noted, is a great stress reliever and contributes to overall health. Setting realistic, achievable goals can help maintain a sense of purpose and direction during these challenging times.

She acknowledged that there may be unhealthy coping strategies adopted, “So some persons may find it easier to lean on certain substances to deal with the grief or the anger that comes with violence and loss, like alcohol consumption, smoking weed. However, substance use, as we know, is a coping mechanism that increases the risk of negative health behaviours and outcome in the future.”

The psychologist stressed the importance of seeking support from trusted friends and family, explaining that sharing feelings and concerns can provide emotional relief and strengthen social bonds.

She encouraged participation in community-based programmes through churches and schools, which can provide resources and assistance to manage stress and mitigate feelings of fear and isolation.

Nakhid-Chatoor emphasised the importance of professional help when needed: “Remember, it is normal to feel stressed and anxious in situations like these, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

Fr Sirju outlined additional steps for community members. He urged people to recommit to their religious faith and work on strengthening family bonds, as these can provide crucial support during difficult times.

The Vicar General also called for collaboration across sectors to develop effective anti-crime strategies, saying there was the need for collective action.

Education was another key point for Fr Sirju, who encouraged families to prioritise learning and make sacrifices for it. He also addressed the issue of entitlement, urging people to reject this mindset and instead embrace hard work and personal responsibility.

Both stressed the importance of hope and resilience. Fr Sirju described hope as “tenuous and obscure, but it is not illusory,” while Nakhid-Chatoor concluded, “Take proactive steps to manage your mental health, and this is crucial for resilience in the face of these rising crime rates.”

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