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Stress Management Center/Phobia Institute
The most insidious thing about psychological aftershock and PTSD is that victims are, more often than not, deluded into thinking that their prevailing problems are caused by current activities such as too much work, poor relationships or outside invaders like germs or viruses.
Family members, friends and often the victims themselves feel that the damaged person is malingering, loafing or just plain lazy when, in fact, the victim is suffering from PTSD. That's why it is important that we recognize the symptoms of psychological aftershock.
The signs of psychological aftershock can result in symptoms showing up in a deterioration of physical, mental/emotional, and social/work-related capabilities. Correct, expert professional help from someone who can administer an effective debriefing of the disaster is imperative (definitely not CISD). If safe and predictable ways to wash away past hurts and destructive body memories are not administered, a breakdown is inevitable in one or more of these three areas.
Keep track of each symptom that applies to you or your loved one:
If you checked three or more of the above symptoms, you or your loved one may be experiencing psychological aftershock as a result of trauma, disaster, catastrophe or extreme or prolonged stress.
For more information, you can visit the store, call the Stress Management Center/Phobia Institute at (828) 258-1311, or send an e-mail to Dr. Dossey.
DISCLAIMER: These tests were developed by Dr. Dossey from his 20+ years of research in anxiety disorders, phobias and stress; the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; and the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders III. The results of these tests should not, however, be construed as the final analysis. An appropriate health care professional - an expert in the area of PTSDs - should be consulted for positive diagnosis and treatment. The recommendations and suggestions included in this document are intended to improve psychological and physical preparedness in case of a crisis, disaster or trauma. However, they do not guarantee the safety of any individual or family member. Neither the publisher nor author assumes liability for any injury, psychological or physical, which may occur in connection with any disaster, trauma or crisis. Information based on material developed at the Stress Management Center/Phobia Institute in Asheville, NC.
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