Domestic violence survivors tend to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder also known as PTSD. PTSD is formally defined as a collection of symptoms that afflict a person following a devastating event in their life. An extremely helpful resource in recovering from a domestic violence situation is the book “Healing the Trauma of Domestic Violence; A Workbook for Women.” (Kubany, McCaig & Laconsay). It states, “women who have been physically or emotionally abused by intimate partners often experience PTSD. PTSD is a normal reaction to extreme stress. You are having these problems because of what happened to you – not because of anything about you. PTSD is a collection or set of problems that tend to cluster or occur together as a syndrome – just like the flu is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur together.” PTSD sufferers do have hope. There is plenty of treatment and support available. The first key is recognizing the signs. Symptoms vary and include -but are not limited to- "reliving the abuse; feeling detached or cut off from other people; feeling emotionally numb (following the end of my marriage to an abusive man I could not cry for an entire year); trouble falling or staying asleep; feeling irritable or angry; difficulty concentrating; being hyperalert; and constantly feeling on edge". To recover fully from the effects of trauma, you need to become your own strongest advocate. Avail yourself to help. There is plenty out there.
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