POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
LIVING IN THE WAKE OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
BY: GWENN HENKEL, CMH, MH
Certified Medical and Master Hypnotherapist
Peninsula Woman Magazine October 2001

Though it has only been a little over a month since the terrorist attacks in our country, we can all remember it as if it just happened this morning. The horrific pictures play over and over in our minds daily, and those images make us feel just as bad as the first time we saw them.

In addition to the fact that we continue to see these images in our minds, we continue to see the pictures of the aftermath, the destruction, and also the stories are beginning to unfold of those who were killed and of those who were fortunate enough to survive. If it is not enough to have to repeatedly hear about it and see it, there are now in addition, the very frightening pictures of war.

Knowing these facts, is it any wonder that you may be finding yourself feeling out of sorts with not being able to sleep though the night, perhaps repeated nightmares, feelings of anxiety, crying easily, or unable to concentrate, having fears that you have not had before, headaches, body aches? Also what about your children? Are they acting out? Are they having nightmares, are they grumpy or being more needy or clingy than before? Or are they maybe quiet, and aloof?

All of these things are signs of PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Most people may think of PTSD as something that happens to a person who has had a bad accident or some terrible intrusive incident such as rape or kidnapping. But the fact is that what happened that dreadful morning of September 11, 2001 affected ALL of us in a most traumatic way. Its as if our entire country was raped and our freedom as we knew it was kidnapped right out from under us and we are still being held hostage by these terrorists with the constant threat of more attacks.

One positive thing has come from this though. We notice camaraderie that we did not have before. We see the flag of the United States everywhere we look. Have you counted how many flags you see in one day? More than you see on the Fourth of July and Memorial Day put together is my guess. But there is one thing that you many not have realized about these flags. Right now flags are a trigger or a reminder of what happened on September 11th in our subconscious mind. On a certain level in our minds, lies the real reason why everyone is displaying the flag, and it is not a national holiday.

So even though that flag is out there to say, We are strong! United we stand! We are Americans, there is an EMOTION that the body feels that reminds us of the fear and sadness that this traumatic event has also brought into each and everyone of our lives. Start making a conscious effort to think of a positive thought to always think when you see the flag. Be sure that it is the same thought each time. It wont take long for your subconscious mind to then override any negative thoughts that you may have stored there that could delay your recovery time.

I cant stress enough how important it is for all of us to be taking care of ourselves emotionally NOW! If you are experiencing any of the symptoms that I mentioned, you should to talk to a professional about it and get help. If you dont, you may find in the future, maybe even years from now, you have fears and phobias that you have no idea where they came from. This is especially true of children.

One woman told me that her 16- year- old daughter had been rather quiet after the attacks, seemingly unmoved by the event. But when we had that very unusual thunder and lightening storm here in the bay area shortly after the attacks, she came running in to her mother screaming and crying hysterically, Were being bombed! Were being bombed!

Young children from ages 2-3 and sometimes 4 do not understand that we are constantly seeing reruns of events, like the planes crashing into buildings. They think that many planes are crashing into many buildings and they do not have the ability to express their fears.
But then when they are older, they may find they need to see someone like myself, a hypnotherapist, to help them to find the source of their fears and conquer them.

What can you do for yourself and your family in regards to PTSD?

Recognize that you may have the symptoms. Get help and talk about it. Talking about it is very important. Dont hold feelings in.

Watch your children closely to see if they are acting differently and ASK them if they need to talk about anything. Talk to them calmly about the situation and not in a panicked tone.

Parents, keep your emotions under control around your children. They look to you to determine if they are safe.

If you or your children are not sleeping well, or fears are changing your life style, see a counselor or someone like myself who can help you to change the patterns that are happening in your subconscious mind. Do it before it becomes a very serious problem later.

One more suggestion is that I ask everyone to be aware of each other and be patient with each other. You never know if the person you may feel impatient toward may have personally lost family or someone close to them in this terrible incident. Its very easy for someone to be quite preoccupied and not fully aware of what they are doing when they are emotionally in pain.

Remember to smile. Smiling sends positive feelings throughout our bodies helping us to feel better, and also those who receive our smiles feel better too!

Change Your Life by Changing Your Mind! TM

Gwenn Henkel is a Certified Medical Hypnotherapist, Hypnoanesthesiologist, and Master Hypnotherapist. She is a member of The National Board for Hypnotherapy and Hypnotic Anaesthesiology, the American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists, The American Board of Hypnotherapy, and The International Association of Counselors and Therapists.

Gwenn also belongs to one of the most highly recognized organizations for Certified Hypnotherapists in the world, the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association®. She is a proud to be a member in good standing of this organization. As a Referral Service of Certified Hypnotherapists, the IMDHA has been influential in furthering the education of Hypnotists and Hypnotherapists around the world for more than two decades. For more information on aligning yourself with this prestigious organization you may reach them at http://www.imdha.com or email: info@imdha.com

See My Reviews on YELP

961 Laurel Street Ste 206 San Carlos, CA 94070 650 380-2494

Site built and maintained by Custom Designs by Reve last update 09/12/2011 Please report any problems to Reve Hasen at Webmaster@EntrancingLife.com See My Reviews on YELP