Many times, when we experience a life-threatening situation or a severe trauma, the suffering does not end with the trauma. The sequel of the trauma lingers for months and years. Around 15% of the people who survived the attack at the World Trade Center developed something called post-traumatic stress syndrome. One of the survivors who came to me for treatment narrated her story to me about how she survived the attack at the Twin Towers, but after she survived, she felt sad and depressed. She had nightmares of the traumatic event. She had flashbacks. She could not stay in New York City because it started reminding her of all the bad memories related to the trauma. Many of her friends and colleagues were in the Twin Towers, and they died. Over time, her mental health became worse, and she had to leave New York City.
She got psychotherapy. She got counseling. When she came to me, she was still feeling depressive symptoms. She still had sleep issues and still has nightmares. I worked with her and adjusted some of the medication; she felt a little better. But the bigger point that I want to make is that trauma can have a long-term sequence. Many people who suffer from mental, emotional, sexual, or physical trauma can continue to suffer even after the trauma ends. Many evidence-based treatments are available for trauma; cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused psychotherapy, and EMDR therapy can all help. For severe traumatic symptoms, medications are beneficial. Depending on severity, medications like prazosin can be used for nightmares and sleep problems associated with the trauma. And if there are depressive symptoms associated with the trauma, antidepressants can help too. If you or your loved one has experienced severe trauma, do not hesitate to seek out help.
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