20 survivors, caregivers, counselors, and Burn Institute staff came together in August for a one day burn survivor retreat. The morning kicked off with burn survivors reconnecting after only seeing each other on Zoom for the past year and a half. Once old friends and new survivors reconnected, the morning session started with workshops focused on recognizing the signs and symptoms of PTSD and providing tools and coping mechanisms.

“It made me realize there are more people out there going through the same pain I am”
 New Adult Burn Survivor Retreat participant 

Other workshops throughout the day included a range of topics – including how to talk to family and friends about feelings and trauma, and how to manage stress from strangers asking personal questions or staring. In between the heavy topics, there were opportunities for the burn survivors to unwind and relax with chair massages, art activities, games, and presentations by a UCSD Burn OT therapist.

The day wrapped up with and open mic night, a delicious BBQ dinner, and a renewed sense of community.