Separated From the Light
A Path Back From Psychological Trauma
By William B. Tollefson, Ph.D.» Order Books Online » Order Books by Mail, Phone or Fax
EXCERPT PART II: The Educational Insight
The first thing that needs to change is attitude.
recovery is possible.
there is a different way to recovery.
success is possible.
- How can anyone challenge what isn't understood?
- How can anyone challenge what isn't known?
- How can anyone challenge what isn't seen?
Prior to the onset of intrusive post-traumatic stress symptoms, (exaggerated responses, detachment, anger, depression, flashbacks, loss of interest in life, mood swings, hyper vigilance, time loss, intrusive thoughts, recurrent dreams, avoidance, inappropriate feelings) the person had functioned satisfactorily. But once the intrusive period begins, she doesn't understand why or where the fragmented pieces of information come from. Mind and body cannot validate them, so the response is to deny, ignore, withdraw, and isolate from others and life.
The suddenly invading material can't be explained by examining a person's environment or known past history. She has thoughts like "What bad things have I done to deserve this?" or "I've gone crazy!" or "Am I making all this up?" Without some type of validation she is left with heavy doubt and pondering whether or not one or more of those thoughts about herself might be true.
The only evidence of the victim's tortuous experiences are the images locked inside her mind. PTSD is not like a broken bone that can be seen in an x-ray or a blocked colon that can be surgically opened to reveal an obstruction. Since other people can't see the reasons for her distress, or corroborate her experiences, she often denies what she is seeing in her own head. "After all, if no one else can see the reasons for my distress perhaps there aren't any."
