When thinking of post-traumatic stress disorder, I think of its immense impacts on individuals who have experienced traumatic events. Symptoms like nightmares, depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating can be difficult to overcome. Post-traumatic stress disorder also has the potential to strain relationships and disrupt an individual’s work, both during and after its academic life. A reason for why exactly military personnel especially suffer from PTSD, is because of the particular environment they are working in. Servicemembers, who may have faced extreme traumatic events, undergo certain situations that can cause great distress and lead to emotional problems. The men and women who serve in our military are often injured while fighting for us in distant places; to us, they are nothing less than heroes. That is why there is a special consideration for the injuries they suffer. Talking about PTSD and trauma can be difficult, but using "combat veteran" as a phrase may make it easier - because combat veterans are seen as tough individuals distant from anyone currently having a conversation. This creates a safe space to discuss the difficult topics without making those in the discussion feel uncomfortable.
While PTSD most commonly affects veterans, it can also affect people in all walks of life. This mental illness can manifest itself in various types of trauma such as challenging life experiences or suffering through a traumatic event. At the same time I enrolled in gymnastics, I discovered that alas, I was not as talented as Dominique Dawes, even though we were signing up for the same class. At the time, I had come to the realization that gymnastics wasn't for me and, in hindsight, this may have been incorrect, at least for part of the time. From the age of seven onwards, the trauma began when I joined a swim team and my swim coach turned out to be a predator who sexually abused me consistently for five years. The onset of this abuse began when I started taking swim lessons.
PTSD can be an issue for everyone, not just veterans. I know this well firsthand because I endured it as a child. Sadly, I'm one of many; it's a problem facing far more than people might realize. It is estimated that around one in eight children experience trauma on a deep level, and the consequences of this can be far-reaching; mental and physical health issues have been linked to childhood trauma that may continue into adulthood, ultimately resulting in a 20 year decrease in their lifespans compared to those of their unaffected peers. Combat and child sexual abuse are not the only types of trauma; other forms of trauma exist too. It is important to acknowledge their presence, albeit from a distance, to help in one's healing journey. This could include making connections with people around us or those in far-off societies and neighborhoods. Living in poverty can certainly be seen as a type of trauma, but it can happen to anyone for many various reasons. I'm willing to bet that there are people here who have gone through emotional turmoil and witnessed many other difficult circumstances, such as car accidents, serious illnesses, deaths and more. Children face incredibly serious consequences due to trauma, and I found myself wondering: why didn't I know this before? The reality is that experiences of trauma can alter the formation of the developing brain, which makes it all the more important to make sure younger generations are aware of its potential effects.
I had no idea I was feeling the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or other trauma until I began studying counseling in school. During my 10 years as a teacher, I saw over one thousand students and only then did I become aware of what kind of struggles that may have been happening. I had never given much thought to the indicators of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), believing it to only be a condition others far away may be struggling with. However, I have experienced its effects on me first-hand and can identify it impacts my life every day. I remember sitting in that class and jotting down the distinguishing characteristics of PTSD such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, nightmares, hyper arousal, and overreacting to certain circumstances. Even though I was from the mid-Atlantic region where avoidance is admired, it was actually an attempt to escape my reality. Class was on a break, with all of us looking at each other, and it became clear that several of us had PTSD. Taking notes while I sat there, I realized this truth for myself. So why haven't I learned about trauma and its impact in children or other populations before? We need to talk about these subjects more and start understanding the implications of trauma on individuals.
I encountered PTSD firsthand in addition to understanding it more thoroughly via reading and analysis. Experiencing it provided me a different perspective on the trauma involved, which served as supplemental to my book-based education. 30 years ago, when I reported my childhood perpetrator to the police, I said that harm had happened to me, although I did not know what the specific details were. Surprisingly the detective responded by encouraging me to come back into Maryland if I ever had enough time so he could take a statement. Trauma can be addressed through learning and, from my experience when I reported my trauma, certain aspects must be known to help others in similar situations, just like the child I was. Here is what's important to know and remember about trauma.
Trauma, as I like to think of it, is much like gravity - it's persistent and ever-present. It's rare to find someone who celebrates this fact, that this phenomenon binds us all on a daily basis. Even so, we can rely on our environment remaining stable with objects in their respective places. Of course, gravity is something we often unconsciously accept and assume will stay the same. In a similar manner, trauma is usually neglected as an unpleasant experience that so many have had to go through. Consequently, this has led to post-traumatic stress becoming normalized in societies for those exposed to it. Trauma is not just experiencing bad memories or nightmares that can be traumatic; it can affect every aspect of life, from relationships to an altered sense of time. For instance, when re-experiencing trauma a person may have the sensation of being stuck in time, unable to move forward from whatever year caused the disturbance. Trauma can affect a person similar to the way gravity does, affecting every area of their life. It also concerns children especially, who are some of the most in-need individuals within our society - as although they look like they may be ok, this is unfortunately not always the case.
I look up to and love the ancient Roman philosopher, Seneca. Nowadays I work as a Latin teacher after having had a short period as a mental health counselor. Despite suffering from a grievous illness, he wrote that even just living can be viewed as an act of bravery, which is particularly relevant to children experiencing trauma. The school context in which the child is re-experiencing a traumatic experience evokes fear that makes it worse than merely recalling a memory. Ultimately this fear leaves no recollection to speak of. As you anxiously sit in your class, you can't help but wonder if math facts are really important for survival when it feels as though your own is at stake. Yet, there, written on the whiteboard by your teacher are the words: take these notes. Dissociation is a coping method that we regularly use, but when responding to trauma, can be present on more extreme levels. During serious dissociation, people tend to "space out" or daydream very heavily to the point where they feel as though they have left their body while actually still being present in it. Teachers often tell students to "pay attention" in order to bring them back out of any dissociative states during school time. If students fail to pay attention, not only are they missing out on their education but they end up being the kid that never pays attention. Living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often an act of bravery, as philosopher Seneca stated. Although, conceptually reading the clinical symptoms can feel strangely familiar, it does not nearly capture the full range of experiences when actually living through them.
Our conversation around Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) usually centers around veterans and we tend to be mindful about fireworks on the 4th of July; but how can we do more for this increasing, widespread problem that affects many children? Children who experience PTSD are likely to endure much hardship throughout their childhood – such as heightened risks of suicide, eating disorders, obesity, erratic interpersonal relationships and even substance use. All of these can have a lasting impact on the child's life if they are not provided with treatment and support. We cannot stop all the trauma that natural disasters and crime bring into our lives, so what can we do? Well, unfortunately we have no control over the weather and other conditions that drive natural disasters or create crime-ridden cities and towns. Though we can still create a welcoming and secure environment for our children in the areas they contribute the most time such as our communities, schools, and other places. There are certain things that we can do to ensure this.
The primary purpose of disseminating information is to share it with as many people as possible. By doing so, it ensures that the collected data or knowledge can be accessed, studied and learned from in a wide range of sectors no matter what background a person comes from. Bringing my first child home I was sure of one thing–she would be crying a lot. All the smiles and talking would naturally come in due time and I was prepared for that. Even with all four of my kids by now, this tiny truth held true. When I get a runny nose, I know there are lots of things going on - my brain isn't necessarily coming out! I understand the context here. As teachers, we can arm ourselves with the knowledge needed to prevent flu epidemics; including what steps to take if a student does in fact have the flu: sheets of information that provide detail and understanding for this essential topic. Information can be used to understand the world around us and make nuanced decisions about how to respond in various circumstances. We need to ensure that information about childhood trauma isn't ignored or dismissed, but instead is front and center - not just focusing on some fleeting topic of the month. We need to make sure this information can become more accessible in the form of dialogue and discussion, especially away from a university setting. We need a prolonged investment in sharing correct knowledge regarding childhood trauma. This must occur both in educational institutions, and within our respective hometowns, as well as other locations where younger people travel to, for example hospitals and clinics. People with trauma may be unable to identify or express their experience, but by sharing information on causes and symptoms of trauma, we can help them understand what they are going through and gain insight.
We can not only share our stories but also take action to make change. Our individual voices are powerful and important, so by coming together and sharing our stories, we are able to shape the narrative of our times and facilitate useful impact. By sharing my story, I wanted to encourage others to also tell their stories. The wonderful thing is that since I've started this, I have connected with many people who have gone through similar things as me. If only I had had such a support system like this back when I was younger! As a child, I didn't know anyone like me - someone who had gone through what I had. All that changed however, after naming myself as a victim in my legal case against the sexual abuser who attacked me.
We can show strength, resilience, and be an ally all at the same time. Firstly, we can take action to recognize the various sources of marginalization and to advance fair treatments for everyone. Secondly, by building alliances with others who hold similar values, we can help people protect their rights in a more comprehensive way. My seventh grade social studies teacher was at the sentencing of my perpetrator in 2014 to show commitment and unwavering continued support for me - first as an 11 year old student in her classroom and again now as an adult. She provided vital encouragement, making me feel important. My perpetrator's sentencing was a difficult time for me, but overall it was made much more manageable due to my friend's support. From her words of affirmation, to the feeling of security she provided, she did whatever she could to help make the situation easier for me. We can be true allies to children; not fearing them or standing them at a distance, but rather listening to them, giving them our focus and understanding their perspectives. As friends, we can create the space for children to feel seen and appreciated. I'm thankful for the good life I've been blessed with, and I believe that all children who have faced trauma also deserve to experience the same support. Together, we can make sure this is achievable.
See also: https://mygodsentangels.com/