Mental Issues After a Physical Attack
Anyone who has suffered from a violent attack knows that it can be more than just a physically traumatic experience. The results of such trauma run deeper than the bruising or scars.
The following is an examination of life after an attack.
In Terms of Psychology
The term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD) is relatively new to the general public. PTSD is a diagnosis of a person who has been exposed for a considerable time to stress usually brought on by abuse, war, or violence.
Since Iraq and Afghanistan wars, this now common acronym is usually linked to soldiers returning home with mental problems.
Even though physically trained for war, it is nearly impossible to prepare soldiers for the mental and emotional attacks they will sustain during combat.
Now, consider the men and women who, after domestic or any other kind of violence, are diagnosed with PTSD. Their stress comes from a single act (or, tragically, multiple acts) of physical/sexual/emotional abuse or a violent act.
If a soldier is trained to be ready for a worst case scenario and still isn’t capable of mentally dealing with the trauma, how can an everyday citizen cope?
Psychological Reactions
Victims survive, but they do not forget. There is an initial stage of denial, but that usually only lasts for a few short hours or days.
Initially, this is good for the brain. Mentally, the victim can take a moment to assess the incident and damages to the body. However, should the victim remain in this phase, there may actually be a delay in healing.
Guilt and Depression
Common responses to expect are guilt and depression. It seems tragic in itself to think victims of violence or abuse will turn inward.
Yet, they are trying to understand their part in the act. This introversive response can cause continual mental and emotional trauma if left untreated. The victim tries to rationalize how the violence occurred.
Self-Blame
One misleading conclusion is that the victim actually was the cause of the act. In instances of sexual violence or rape, it’s not uncommon for people to look to the victim—what was the victim wearing? How was the victim acting?
In another example, a person who was brutally mugged may be blamed for being out late at night, or walking in an area known for crime.
However, self-blame does nothing to aid in feelings of anxiety or depression following an attack, and may actually it more difficult to cope.
Anger
Besides the guilt, anger pours in and clouds the brain with irrational thoughts. Turning on themselves, victims can develop low self-esteem causing a change in behavior and personality.
In some cases, phobias and additional disorders may occur.
All of these turbulent emotions can cause a multitude of responses. No one should stereotype a victim to be a passive shut-in post-trauma.
Victims can be aggressive, passive, or deny help. Although friends and family support may be a good start for the victim, eventually it is still better that he or she seeks professional help.
Every victim, though connected through the act, is still an individual with unique characteristics and needs. What happens to the victim without treatment cannot be predicted because of this exclusive perception.
Therefore, treatment ideally should be sought whether wanted or unwanted to give the victim the best chance possible to recover as best they can.
If you know a victim, the best thing you can do is support and love that person. If you are a victim, seek therapy (in some cases offered online, over the phone, and in person for free). It is possible to heal after a physical attack, and find peace again.
