By Lynn Hagan, LCSW
June 20, 2008
As a clinical social worker in Kuwait during the initial phases of the Iraq war, I had the opportunity to counsel soldiers, diplomats, and contractors coming from the front lines. They had experienced trauma on a grand scale, witnessing and sometimes experiencing kidnappings, mutilation, incendiary explosive devices (IEDs), torture, and rape.
Their spouses and children in the Middle East, who had also seen the events of 9-11 on television, were harassed at school and work. More and more, we are seeing the effects of these repeated exposures to traumatic experiences, which can be devastating to families.
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In Kuwait, the US Embassy contacted me regarding a high ranking official, who we’ll call “Don” for purposes of confidentiality. Don was referred by his primary care physician due to physical complaints that seemed to be medically unfounded. At his first psychotherapy session, three weeks after the 9-11 terrorist attacks, he disclosed that he had seen the catastrophe on television and was gathering intelligence about the incidents. Many years before, he had witnessed acts of murder, torture, terrorism, and genocide. In the Bangladeshi army, he worked for subversive organizations that gave assistance to people who were oppressed by radical factions. Don’s primary physical complaint was foot pain that worsened after 9-11. He was also troubled by feelings of helplessness, despair, panic attacks, the inability to experience pleasure, social isolation, and poor concentration. He said that he was fixated on news coverage of the attacks and could not take his eyes off the television. He declared, “Since September 11th, I have no safe haven.” He said that he wanted to retaliate with a terrorist act of his own for the 9-11 attacks. Don was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute anxiety disorder, and major depression. His threat of retaliation was taken seriously, although he said that he did not believe he was powerful enough to carry out this plan. After a consultation with the primary care physician and the psychiatrist, it was recommended that Don return to the U.S. for psychiatric treatment. The point of this story is that trauma experienced in the past, coupled with recent traumatic events, can lead to what is known as secondary trauma. Don experienced trauma upon trauma without getting the mental health treatment that he desperately needed. It was fortunate for Don, and the other people in his life, that his primary care physician recognized the signs of secondary trauma in his symptoms of pain (which are not normally associated with trauma) and referred him for mental health services. |
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September 22nd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I would like to support the writers experience in working so hard to help the Service men and women with (PTSD) for future analysis. Patient realization about their own condition is very important, and the support of continuous therapy with issues will hel dealing with issuse on a Micro & Macro levels.
After the introduction to therapy to Don the creation of a support group that can help him along with others that have the same complaints which can help along with appropriate medication. So at helping him at separate himself from the past challenges, and searching for and implication to the positive kinds of programming in events that will help on his or her future.
My continuing too supports my hart, mind and dedication goes out to those individuals which are helping to build a better future for the United States of America.
Sincerely,
Richard A. Spomer
April 20th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
To the Attn: of Lynn Hagan, LCSW. April 20, 3009
Along with Don.
I have given a lot more consideration to this article, and the facts that the men and women wearing uniforms representing the armed services of the United States of America. Should be receiving types of top notch Medical, Psychological, Sociological, and Physiological supports; because, Brain Injuries have taken center stage over the last several decades, so that better treatment my prolong life and the conditions there of..
Needing to address the fundamentals to humanity first you are the child of a supreme being, second you are a living participating entity in society as a whole, third you have thoughts and emotions which need to be dealt with in a functional, and holistic approach in life, fourth is that of physical out lets ways in-which one can and does to live with them selves.
Patient realization about their own condition is very important, and the support of continuous therapy with issues that will help them and others at dealing with issues from that of Micro which is one on one with a therapist, & Macro levels which is advocating at the grandest stage of all, and that is the US Congress.
There are professional Psychologists like Michael F. Martelli; with Concussion Care Center of Virginia which deal with Individuals that have sustained Traumatic Brain Injuries as the result of different traumas like that of automobile accidents, and gun shot wounds, strokes, Aneurisms, and we could increase the list. However the thing I want to stress to the reader is that there are group’s set-up for pear-support and recovery to help in life’s ever changing situation.
There are State Brain Injury Associations as well to reach out, and help with questions and answers pamphlets, Medical professionals which have answers to some questions, and that of support groups.
Sincerely,
Richard A. Spomer
5375 Duke Street, Apt. 502
Alexandria, VA 22304
rspomers@yahoo.com