POST-TRAUMATIC stress disorder (PTSD) goes by many names – shell shock, battle fatigue, accident neurosis and post-rape syndrome. It was only in the 1970s’ Vietnam War that the mental disorder was renamed PTSD.
Its history dates back to the early 19th century when Americans started noting certain symptoms in people who had been through traumatic events, especially in soldiers who fought in the war.
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June is Post-Traumatic Disorder Awareness Month. Let’s break the stigma and raise awareness about the mental illness so that people can recover from it by seeking better treatments.
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, PTSD is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, even though the condition presents with very specific symptoms that comprise a definite psychiatric disorder.
People with PTSD are plagued by persistent frightening memories of the traumatic event which set off the condition, and they feel emotionally numbed by the ordeal.
Any traumatic incident can trigger PTSD, including earthquakes, aircraft crashes, hijackings, domestic violence or violent attacks, even if you are a witness and not necessarily a victim.
The condition is treatable but due to the lack of knowledge and the stigmas attached to the condition, many choose to live with the symptoms and don’t get the help they need.
Martina’s story
Martina Martin from Durban North spoke to Northglen News about her journey with PTSD and how she copes in her daily life.
“PTSD is sadly misunderstood by the people it affects, especially on how much of your life changes. Those that look in from the outside do have empathy but are unable to understand because they have not had to go through the same or similar trauma. I personally believe that everyone has had to endure PTSD at some stage of their lives. It’s just the degree that varies from person to person,” said Martin.
“There have been several accumulating situations that I had to go through with varying degrees. The death of my father at a very young age, childhood molestation by several trusted family friends, two miscarriages and being retrenched twice. It all took an emotional toll on me,” she said.
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The first signs Martin noticed were that she constantly lost her temper and shouted at people, had a disregard for life – her own included, had an inability to cope with everyday life and was unable to get out of bed and was constantly sleeping. She has also been into rehab a couple of times, ranging from three to six weeks at a time.
“I was also diagnosed with severe depression, anxiety and bipolar type 2. To manage all these conditions, I have to see my psychologist monthly, or more frequently if I need to. I also have to manage my feelings and viewpoints, take my medication and have faith in myself that I do have the strength to cope and that God is looking out for me,” said Martin.
“I know that I should be listening to the advice of my mentors more and doing more exercises but it’s not always that easy,” she added.
Life changes
Describing what having PTSD has been like for her, Martin uses the word ‘horrifying’.
“My whole life changed when I had a breakdown. I was eventually diagnosed, and treatment began. It’s been agony, and I have lost a lot of friends over the years. I don’t blame them – it’s not easy visiting someone who is unable to cope with life and is always negative. I also went through a divorce which was caused partly by my inability to cope, and suicidal thoughts were often an issue,” she said.
Martin added that the people who don’t live with this type of trauma do not understand and are, in her opinion, not capable of doing so.
“People tend to judge me as being weak, incapable and a liability. My immediate family, however, have been very supportive, even if there has been some conflict on the treatment I receive. They believe in herbal and less invasive medication and don’t always understand that the type of medication I need is scheduled quite high and expensive,” she said.
Getting help
There is however, light at the end of the tunnel. Martin’s advice to others who may be going through the same or similar conditions is to seek help and not be be afraid of medication and doctors.
“If it [mediation] helps you to feel ‘normal’ again, it is worth its weight in gold. For me, it’s been a literal lifesaver. Be comfortable with your doctors. If you feel slightly unhappy with the treatments they prescribe, change doctors. Don’t be afraid to find a different doctor or mentor that fits better with you,” she said.
She said medication is amazing if given and taken in the right combination and dosages. The combination can sometimes take years to perfect and will have to change periodically with life changes.
“Medication takes at least six weeks to take effect. Those months of waiting to see the outcome and tweaking are long and horrible. Persevere. It does get better even though you don’t think it will. Side effects do occur, unfortunately,” said Martin.
She added by saying that suicidal thoughts should always be taken very seriously and that one should not be afraid to ask for help even if they don’t want to.
“Even if you feel you are bothering people, ask for help. Your life matters to a lot of those people even if you don’t think so at the time. It will not be easier for those left behind – they will always blame themselves if you try to or do take your life. This leads to a legacy of ongoing trauma,” she said.
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