Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
October 26, 2009
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a crippling aftermath of war and of surviving a dysfunctional or alcoholic family system, as well as other experiences of extreme trauma. The degree of problems and type of problems may differ but the damage is the same in that it is very real and far reaching. It is one of the most severe forms of emotional disorder known. After being in a war, people relive the catastrophes, such as being forced to shoot innocent civilians (including young children), burying people in open trenches, or watching their own dear friends die or become dismembered. The sounds of gunfire, bombs and screams ricochet in their heads day and night. They sweat. They cry. They have headaches, migraines, and anxiety/panic attacks. They are depressed and in physical and emotional pain.
Most physical illnesses come from this trauma. Addictions run rampant. People suffering traumatic stress have fears and phobias and are afraid to go to sleep at night because of their nightmares or can’t sleep because of insomnia. They worry and have regrets; they have difficulties in relationships, often including sexual dysfunction. Their spirituality is impaired. This is very similar to results of living in a dysfunctional or alcoholic family system. Physical problems, grief and loss, fear of abandonment, tremendous anger (whether acted out in violence or verbal abuse or is repressed/unacknowledged) are there and need to be released through counseling or coaching in an appropriate way); the people suffering traumatic stress have difficulty setting goals and keeping them, focusing and following through on projects, problems making plans yet have trouble living one day at a time.
I have worked with a number of people from various situations of PTSD and it has taken time, but I’ve had excellent results, for which I am grateful. It is hard work for the counselor but very fulfilling to help someone find relief from such hellish living and to see them develop a whole new life, which includes love and joy, the ability to laugh again and truly seeing humor where none existed before, and certainly the ability to function in a way that they can cope with whatever comes their way, knowing that it is okay to get support/help and that they deserve it.
Codependency as Primary Illness
October 2, 2009
Codependency is a primary illness, and one that is treatable with the right counseling and coaching. Enabling is a major problem with codependents. They feel stuck and lost and don’t know what to do, or they are threatened by anger and violence, or they are having anxiety, depression, or sleeplessness. Their self-esteem is low; therefore, they fail to be assertive and stand up for themselves. Tough love is the toughest on the persons doing it. Defensive behavior destroys trust and, in a marriage, can create a real need for marriage counseling. If only one of the people involved is willing to seek counseling, then perhaps that person will eventually find the assertiveness to get his/her partner to see that they both need help. I had a treatment center for codependency in Connecticut for several years that helped many people from all over the country. I loved the hands on work.
