War-trauma and help seeking behavior among the diocesan clergy of Kumbo Diocese, Anglophone Cameroon

Abstract

The ongoing separatist conflict in Anglophone Cameroon has deeply affected multiple sectors of society, including religious institutions. This study investigates the impact of war-related trauma and the patterns of help-seeking behaviour among diocesan clergy in the Diocese of Kumbo, North-West Region of Cameroon. The primary objective was to examine how war trauma is managed among the clergy amidst persistent violence and insecurity. Specifically, the study assessed the effects of stress, anxiety, and depression on clergy mental health, as well as the influence of coping mechanisms on their mental health care-seeking behaviours and trauma resilience. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews with three groups of participants: diocesan clergy, clergy who are victims of kidnapping, and leaders of the association of diocesan priests. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo 15 software. Findings reveal that war-related stress and anxiety have significantly contributed to psychological distress among the clergy, leading to symptoms such as chronic insomnia, emotional numbness, fear, and spiritual fatigue. Depression was also common, manifesting a reduced pastoral motivation, social withdrawal, and existential crisis. Despite these challenges, clergy employed a range of coping strategies, notably meaning- focused methods such as prayer, spiritual counseling, peer support, and religious retreats. However, structural barriers—including fear of stigmatization, limited access to mental health services, and ongoing security threats—negatively impacted formal help-seeking behaviours. The findings underscore the importance of integrating psychosocial support into pastoral care structures and highlight the need for faith-based trauma interventions that are culturally and contextually relevant. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on trauma in conflict settings, offering practical insights for church leadership, mental health practitioners, and policymakers working to support clergy and other vulnerable groups in fragile contexts. Keywords: War-trauma, mental health, clergy, stress, anxiety, depression, coping strategies, help-seeking behaviour, Kumbo Diocese, Cameroon