REMINDER, I am currently taking a new Domestic Violence class, and wanting to share with you as I go through each lesson. Michelle Money is the instructor; He words will be in quotation marks.
* “25% of white women who attempt suicide were victims of domestic abuse.* 50% of African American women who attempt suicide were victims of domestic abuse
* Children who witness domestic abuse or domestic violence are far more likely to suffer from depression, PTSD and anxiety disorders than their peers.
* Children who witness domestic abuse or domestic violence have a higher suicide rate than their peers.
* Abused women with PTSD are sometimes misdiagnosed as having an alcohol or drug problem or mental illness if their doctor is not made aware of their history as the victim of domestic abuse.”
After-Effects of Domestic Abuse “ranging from economic hardship to being socially isolated.” And may possibly suffer from “a variety of psychological and physical symptoms as well that can interfere with their ability to build a new life. These may include depression, anxiety attacks, alcohol and drug abuse, inability to make decisions, headaches, recurring illnesses, lethargy and a host of other incapacitating problems that can make it very difficult for a survivor of abuse to be successful in taking the next steps in creating a new life.
“Many of these symptoms fall under the category of a psychological disorder called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
PTSD is a psychological reaction to experiencing traumatic events. The traumatic event can be anything from a natural disaster to the experiences of war, but generally those who have PTSD suffer most who have experienced prolonged trauma such as lengthy domestic abuse, living in a war zone, sexual abuse or living under an oppressive regime.”
“Symptoms of PTSD include:
Sudden, frightening flashbacks or memories of traumatic events or reliving an attack despite the desire not to.
Nightmares, insomnia and difficulty staying asleep.
An exaggerated startle reflex, particularly in response to specific triggers such as loud noises, male voices (if the abuser was male), or particular situations.
Being easily frustrated, losing their temper easily and flying into a rage or breaking down into tears in situations that don't seem to warrant such extreme reactions.
Being emotionally overwrought, crying easily and often.
Lack of interest in friends and family; withdrawing from activities and becoming apathetic.
Numbness and an inability to relate to or interact with others.
Not willing to be touched; resisting embraces or affection of any kind. Flinching when touched.
Panic attacks.
Not willing to be left alone or not willing to be in crowds or be with people they don't know well.
Feeling fearful or having a feeling of dread of unknown or unsubstantiated things; being afraid to leave home or being afraid to be home alone.
Difficulty making even simple decisions and difficulty solving problems.
Confusion and feelings of disorientation.
Feeling helpless and overwhelmed by routine activities.
Inability to concentrate (such as reading something repeatedly and not comprehending it).
An edgy, nervous, "on edge" feeling that causes a "fight of flight" response. This is often called the "shoe drop" feeling – the survivor of abuse is always waiting for the other shoe to drop, expecting at any moment that something brutal is about to happen.
Depression is often a major component of PTSD, including feelings of sadness, loneliness, lack of energy and changes in eating habits.”
How to Respond to Abuse Survivors with PTSD
Keep “lines of communication open … letting them know you are willing to help them in any way you can, you will let them know that you won't abandon them and that you believe in them. Understanding … Acceptance … Empowerment”
Help with any needed research for local resources.
Suggest, but don’t push, the concept of counseling or reaching out to a coach
Encourage moving forward; and praise even for the little steps; help build self-esteem.
Know, there are psychological treatment options !
Reach out to a mental health professional for an evaluation !
Treatment is tailored to the individual, such as anxiety and stress; even alcohol or drug abuse.
Psychiatrists or doctors may even choose to prescribe medications that can help with PTSD (controls symptoms, does not cure) in conjunction with therapy, counseling or coaching; antidepressant medications may be prescribed to help with anxiety and stabilizing one’s mood (note, these don’t help instantly; can take weeks to take an effect)
“Behavioral therapy encourages individuals to learn ways to alter their reactions to certain situations or triggers in order to overcome them. In the case of PTSD, patients are encouraged to confront their fears in order to alter their behavior in a positive manner through self-control. One way to do this is by exposure to their fears. Obviously, for PTSD the victim of abuse isn't expected to confront their abuser; instead, they are asked to recall the trauma of the abuse in detail, in effect reliving the events. This must be done very carefully, guided by a licensed psychotherapist in a controlled environment. If done properly, it can help reduce and eventually eliminate the anxiety and depression associated with the horrific memories. Learning to control flashbacks and other anxiety responses through self-controlled relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing techniques are also very helpful to those with PTSD.”
“Cognitive-behavioral therapy, sometimes called, CBT, is a type of psychotherapy that is effective for many different types of anxiety disorder as well as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It combines cognitive therapy, in which individuals learn to change their "thinking patterns," with the behavioral therapy we've already discussed.”
“Cognitive therapy helps individuals see more clearly that what they were previously thinking (for instance, during a panic attack, they might have been thinking, "I'm going to die!") is not true and enables to replace those erroneous thoughts with more accurate ones ("I'm having a panic attack, but I'm going to be okay. I can control this.")”
In dealing with PTSD and knowing they are not alone, due to family and friend, they have a chance at changing their lives from victim to survivor !
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