In the past 20 years, 18 African nations have been ravaged by war. Tens of millions of Africans have been victims of violence or witnessed horrific acts of terror—and now suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A new organization, African PTSD Relief, in partnership with the David Lynch Foundation is providing the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program to war survivors. The goal is to help refugees reclaim their lives by overcoming the debilitating effects of traumatic stress so that they can reestablish a positive state of physical, emotional and social wellbeing.

In the video below, refugees who entered Uganda from Sudan tell their personal story of trauma. Then, after practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique, they describe their newfound mental and emotional stability, their renewed capacity to sleep, and their growing freedom from the influences of extreme stress.

PTSD is a hidden wound of war, crippling individuals, families and communities who are struggling to emerge from the dark clouds of violence and destruction. Victims of violence and war often suffer unimaginable trauma for years, unable to find a remedy for their anguish. These experiences leave an indelible impression in the brain and lead to persistent flashbacks, inability to relate to others, constant fear, hyper-alertness, and frequent outbursts of anger.

Research on the Transcendental Meditation technique has found that it helps to reverse the neurophysiological basis of post-traumatic stress by producing a unique and profound state of rest, which eliminates stress and restores healthy, coherent brain functioning.

In partnership with the David Lynch Foundation, African PTSD Relief is working with top humanitarian organizations and NGOs to empower the victims of decades of war in Africa. By giving people the ability to overcome the traumatic stress and overwhelming suffering in their lives, they experience a rapid rise in health, happiness, and success.

For more information on the David Lynch Foundation’s work with African refugees please visit http://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/africa