Picking up on pain

If anyone knows me (even a little bit) they know I am all about simple, commonsense solutions and prevention, which more often than not CAN “co-habituate.” 

Many moons ago when I was a family resource specialist at OACAC, I was reading up on PTSD in general and, in so doing, learned from a report that came out around 2020. Tthere was a huge gap in service for veterans suffering from PTSD. There was a 25% shortage of psychiatrists to treat these poor patients. This broke my heart even more when I thought about all the non-military cases (and many undiagnosed) that do not get dealt with. In a bit, I will end this column with my version of a solution to ensure that anyone needing help in this area is served.

Many if not all those who suffer from PTSD isolate themselves. This is either because they have no ability to trust mankind, again, OR, because they think their disorder is such a tiny piece of the slice of human disorders that no one would/could understand. I know this from engaging with clients in my previous occupation.

Many with this disorder and also with depression just won’t seek help or even mention it to acquaintances or family members. I remember when Robin Williams took his life. It was such a shock. I thought this man had limitless friends and resources, probably. How could this happen!? But upon further research, I learned that he let no one know because he was “supposed to have it all and no one would understand why he could possibly be down…about anything.” We all know this is rubbish and PTSD and depression aren’t anything we can simply “Will to disappear.”

The ability to talk freely and be genuinely understood will reduce symptom severity by a huge percentage, depending, of course, on the origin of the PTSD.

Recovery from PTSD can be sped up considerably (as much as a full year) simply from a friendship or a genuinely concerned health professional or just constant, unwavering support.

Having someone to talk freely with and on a regular basis will lower instances of symptom relapse. As well, having a constant support person or system is extremely helpful during therapy when the patient may need to relive trauma. The validating support enables the patient to more readily benefit from these therapies.

Also, having a solid support be it from friends or a health professional, the PTSD sufferer will have the ability to neutralize negative environments which they may have to live with be it a work or family environment, which is a huge stepping stone to mental peace.

Knowing that we are accepted and understood has tons of cathartic consequences. Oxytocin is released in the brain which has a general calming effect. Also, neuroscience has proven many times over that positive social networks (no matter how large or small) promote emotional resonance and empathy towards others and theory of mind. Feeling heard and validated by a trusted friend calms the amygdala, the fear center of the brain.

Counter support or judgmental acquaintances can actually worsen PTSD manifestation. Individuals with lower perceived social support are much more likely to develop Complex-PTSD.

True friendship involves deep listening and acceptance. It changes how trauma survivors process memories and rebuild resilience.

This is my idea: We need a certification process/method whereby people who God has gifted with compassion and the desire to alleviate pain and make patients again “whole,” can learn (quickly) perhaps in a year or less how to visit with these fine but hurting individuals and under a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist and get these folks served and on the road to recovery. This is not going to happen for middle class individuals waiting to save up enough someday to pay a psychiatrist $250 per hour or whatever the going rate now is. We need a grass roots solution and my research has told me, as well as my experience serving needy families, that the answer is in the likes of a mental health CNA, for lack of a better term. It is a win-win for everyone!