Photo by Anaya Katlego on Unsplash

Understanding PTSD – Why the nightmares and anxiety last for weeks after the traumatic event

I read about the attempted kidnapping of a middle aged Nigerian male in the newspaper. I remember feeling terrified and bemoaning the rampant insecurity in the country.

Six months later the said Nigerian was in my consulting room complaining of ‘not feeling like his usual self’ since the incident.

__________________________

The sound of footsteps along the corridor were soon interrupted by the slight squeaking of the consulting room door as it swung open.

Before me stood Mr Teko, a tall, well-built Nigerian man who smiled briefly behind his face mask then sat some distance across from me as we exchanged pleasantries.

He looked well but for the look of sadness and deep worry in his eyes.

What followed was a detailed narrative of the gruelling experience he had endured just 6 months before.

He had been the back seat passenger in his Prado jeep on his way to Kaduna from Abuja for business. The driver had stopped at a roadside filling station, briefly he had intended, just for a top up. 

He remembered getting down from the jeep to stretch his legs and get some fresh air. He had been digging in his pocket for cash to pay for the fuel when chaos broke loose, gunshots filled the air and passers-by scrambled for safety.

Six men wearing what looked like Militia uniforms emerged from nowhere brandishing AK-47 rifles. They were barking orders, shooting into the air and walking menacingly about as though they were looking for something – or someone.

The next thing he knew they had surrounded him, all 6 of them, still barking orders and motioning aggressively. He thought the end had come when he spied the driver, alive just seconds before, lying motionless on the ground.

Mr Teko paused, looked at me and said without emotion ‘’my driver was killed just like that.  He adjusted his face mask  and he had been preparing for his wedding.’’

I remained speechless, horrified by the story he told so effortlessly.

‘’They insisted I go with them but I refused’’ he summarized. 

I knew the rest of the story because I had been in the hospital the night he was rushed into the emergency room bleeding profusely.

He had stood his ground before them, refusing to get into their waiting jeep and was shot in the thigh instead. The bloodthirsty group, perhaps suddenly conscious of time, then sped off leaving him for dead.

And he would have bled to death, alone on the ground in that filling station, had it not been for a Good Samaritan driver who was touched by his cries for help.

Mr Teko looked impatient now as he spoke. ‘’It has been 6 months Doctor, he said shifting in his seat. It’s as though I’m a different person’’.

The frustration was evident in his voice when he explained his symptoms. He had lost concentration since the incident and was unable to focus on his work or business.

He no longer enjoyed the hobbies he once loved and felt strangely detached from his wife and family. He got easily angered and startled by the slightest noise.

Then there were the nightmares and what he described as ‘visions’ – times when he felt he was back there again, surrounded by those murderous men in black.

And while not a fearful person by nature, he had been unable to bring himself to travel by that particular road to Kaduna since the incident.

_____________________________________

Beyond the COVID – 19 pandemic, stories like this have unfortunately become commonplace. We hear of people being kidnapped and then released after huge sums are paid. Many have been raped, maimed or have witnessed atrocities being committed to people they love.

What many may not realize is that after these traumatic events about 2 in 10 people are never fully able to return to their normal lives and develop PTSD. (Foa E, Rothbaum O. 1998)

It’s as though they become permanently scarred by the incident and develop uncharacteristic symptoms which leave them (the sufferers), their caregivers and loved ones confused, hurt and deeply worried.

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

This is the name given to the group of symptoms experienced by people who have endured or witnessed horrific events frankly ‘outside the usual human experience’ like Mr Teko.

Kidnapping, rape, bloody communal clashes, herd’s men attacks, witnessing or experiencing armed combat during a war are all examples of traumatic events that can cause PTSD.

PTSD occurs when the victim believes that he or she will die or be seriously injured by the traumatic event (no matter what it is).

PTSD can come from being bullied (in person or even online like in cyber bullying).

Mr Teko’s loss of concentration, irritability, and easy startling are all symptoms of PTSD. So are his feelings of detachment from his family and loss of interest in his business and hobbies.

His nightmares and ‘visions’ (called flashbacks – where sufferers feel like they’re literally reliving the trauma), are hallmarks of the disorder.

These symptoms cause confusion, fear and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness in survivors and drives some to even commit suicide. (Houston M. 2017)

Symptoms of PTSD typically last for more than 1 month after the traumatic incident, and can continue for years worsening sufferer’s and loved ones confusion as most believe that the victim should have ‘gotten over it’ by that time.

Why do the nightmares, flashbacks and other symptoms last for so long in people with PTSD?

Symptoms of PTSD are recurrent and long lasting because of the mind’s repeated attempts to process or work through the unprecedented catastrophic trauma (rape, kidnapping or armed combat for example).

The nightmares and flashbacks (the re-living experiences Mr Teko referred to as visions) are the mind’s attempt to replay and analyse the trauma experience so as to integrate it into the consciousness. Like you would go over a bad breakup over and over in your mind to try to understand what actually happened and why.

_________________________________

Mr Teko listened attentively as I explained the meaning of his disorder and the symptoms he had. He looked visibly relieved when I assured him that he was not losing his mind or going crazy.

He understood instinctively when I clarified how his attempts at sweeping the traumatic incident and his feelings under the carpet in an attempt to forget about them and get on with his life, were actually hindering and not helping his healing.

_______________________________

Family members and friends unknowingly worsen a victim’s distress by avoiding discussions related to the distressing event in the fear that doing this might increase the victim’s pain or in the hope that it will eventually all just go away.

While it’s painful to hear and talk about any traumatic event, graded exposure to images, thoughts and emotions related to the event, when done by a skilled Therapist, have been proven to result in the healing of people with PTSD.

Mr Teko recovered fully after treatment with medications and several sessions of Psychotherapy.

_____________________________

We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment.

Questions?  Feel free to ASK The Therapist.

Do you or any one you know have symptoms you think might be PTSD?  Please Contact Us or share your story.

246 thoughts on “Understanding PTSD – Why the nightmares and anxiety last for weeks after the traumatic event”

  1. Avatar
    Uchenna Nwosu

    You hear the words ‘PTSD’ and probably relate it to soldiers newly returned from theaters of war…As Nigerians we probably go to ‘war’ everytime we leave our homes while searching for our daily bread. With the insecurity in our Country, the horror stories read in our newspapers of atrocities (rape, armed robbery, kidnapping, etc) committed, it’s heartwarming to know that their are trained professionals out there to listen, give a helping hand and guide us through the confusion we may be experiencing. Well done Chi-Chi for a truly informative piece.

  2. Avatar
    ANAWO OCHE SUNDAY

    Thank God for someone like you in this field of knowledge, I strongly believe that with your help, so many victims of such circumstances will be reintegrated to the society,
    May God continue to strengthen you and that your wealth of experience continue to increase in JESUS NAME

  3. Avatar

    Good day! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog post
    or vice-versa? My website discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other.

    If you’re interested feel free to send me an email.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Awesome blog
    by the way!

  4. Avatar

    Hiya, I am really glad I have found this info. Nowadays bloggers
    publish only about gossips and web and this is actually annoying.
    A good site with interesting content, that’s what I need.
    Thank you for keeping this website, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters?
    Cant find it.

    my website :: http://www.craksracing.com

  5. Avatar

    You are so awesome! I don’t suppose I have read a single thing like that before.
    So wonderful to find another person with a few unique thoughts on this topic.
    Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This website is something that is required on the web, someone with
    a bit of originality!

    My blog – Crypto Advantage App

  6. Avatar

    I don’t even understand how I finished up here, however I thought this post used to be great.
    I don’t understand who you might be however definitely you’re
    going to a famous blogger if you happen to aren’t already.

    Cheers!

  7. Avatar

    Right here is the perfect webpage for anybody who would like to find out about this topic.
    You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you
    (not that I personally would want to?HaHa). You definitely put
    a fresh spin on a subject which has been discussed for many years.

    Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!

    Look into my homepage … Kristine

  8. Avatar

    I’m not sure why but this blog is loading incredibly slow
    for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a
    problem on my end? I’ll check back later on and see
    if the problem still exists.

    Feel free to visit my site Jolly CBD

  9. Avatar

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital
    to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement
    you access consistently quickly.

    Feel free to visit my webpage – Calm CBD Gummies Price

  10. Avatar

    Having read this I thought it was very informative.
    I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this
    article together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and posting comments.

    But so what, it was still worthwhile!

    Check out my web-site :: http://www.diclelife.com

  11. Avatar

    Hello are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world
    but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any html coding knowledge
    to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Stop by my blog post; Helio CBD Reviews

  12. Avatar

    After exploring a few of the articles on your website, I really appreciate your way of writing a
    blog. I saved it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking
    back soon. Take a look at my web site too and
    tell me your opinion.

  13. Avatar

    Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new project in a
    community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have
    done a wonderful job!

  14. Avatar

    Your style is unique compared to other people I have read stuff from.
    Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this web site.

  15. Avatar

    Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thanks, However I am going through issues with your RSS.

    I don’t understand why I am unable to subscribe to it.
    Is there anybody getting the same RSS issues?
    Anyone that knows the answer can you kindly respond?

    Thanks!!

  16. Avatar

    We absolutely love your blog and find most
    of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for.
    Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
    I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on a number of the
    subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome web
    site!

  17. Avatar

    Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us have created
    some nice methods and we are looking to exchange strategies
    with others, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.

  18. Avatar

    Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I am inspired!
    Extremely useful information particularly the last section 🙂 I care for such information much.
    I used to be looking for this particular info for a very
    lengthy time. Thanks and best of luck.

  19. Avatar

    346849 434199Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think which you could do with several pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is fantastic weblog. An excellent read. Ill undoubtedly be back. 646784

  20. Avatar

    586835 239530I dont normally check out these types of sites (Im a pretty modest person) – but even though I was a bit shocked as I was reading, I was surely a bit excited as well. Thanks for making my day 530380

  21. Avatar

    268914 179507Howdy! Would you mind if I share your weblog with my twitter group? Theres a lot of men and women that I believe would really enjoy your content material. Please let me know. Thanks 166622

  22. Avatar

    102003 745902You produced some decent points there. I looked on the internet for that problem and located a lot of people will go in addition to with the internet site. 808661

  23. Avatar

    Nice blog here! Also your website loads up fast!
    What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours
    lol

  24. Avatar

    Hey are using WordPress for your site platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and
    set up my own. Do you require any html coding
    expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be really
    appreciated!

  25. Avatar

    Generally I do not learn article on blogs, however I would like to say that
    this write-up very forced me to check out and
    do it! Your writing taste has been surprised me.
    Thank you, very great post.

  26. Avatar

    I like the valuable information you provide
    for your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently.

    I’m relatively sure I will be informed a
    lot of new stuff right right here! Good luck for the next!

  27. Avatar
  28. Avatar

    Do you have a spam problem on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; we have created some nice procedures and we are looking to swap strategies with others, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.

  29. Avatar

    Excellent blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely confused .. Any recommendations? Thanks!

  30. Avatar

    Thanks for another informative web site. The place else may I am getting that kind of info written in such an ideal manner? I have a undertaking that I’m just now working on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such information.

  31. Avatar

    excellent post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector don’t notice this. You should continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!

  32. Avatar

    Hi my loved one! I want to say that this post is awesome, great written and include almost all vital infos. I?¦d like to peer extra posts like this .

  33. Avatar

    Does your website have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

  34. Avatar

    Just a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw great style. “Make the most of your regrets… . To regret deeply is to live afresh.” by Henry David Thoreau.

  35. Avatar

    Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your web-site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you¦ve on this website. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What a great web-site.

  36. Avatar

    Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  37. Avatar

    Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say wonderful blog!

  38. Avatar

    This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!

  39. Avatar

    Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it

  40. Avatar

    There are some attention-grabbing points in time on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There may be some validity but I will take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as properly

  41. Avatar

    Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My blog site is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my users would certainly benefit from a lot of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Thank you!

  42. Avatar

    Thank you for every other informative site. Where else may just I am getting that kind of info written in such a perfect method? I have a project that I am just now running on, and I’ve been on the glance out for such info.

  43. Avatar

    Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and net and this is actually annoying. A good website with interesting content, that’s what I need. Thanks for keeping this site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.

  44. Avatar

    Aw, this was a really nice post. In thought I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means appear to get one thing done.

  45. Avatar

    certainly like your web site however you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome to tell the reality on the other hand I will surely come again again.

  46. Avatar

    Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something again and help others like you helped me.

  47. Avatar

    Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your web site in internet explorer, would check this… IE still is the market leader and a big portion of people will miss your magnificent writing due to this problem.

  48. Avatar

    I used to be suggested this web site via my cousin. I’m now not positive whether or not this publish is written by means of him as no one else know such precise approximately my problem. You’re amazing! Thank you!

  49. Avatar

    What i do not understood is if truth be told how you are not really a lot more smartly-preferred than you might be right now. You’re very intelligent. You understand thus significantly when it comes to this topic, made me in my view believe it from so many various angles. Its like women and men are not interested except it is one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs outstanding. At all times care for it up!

  50. Avatar

    When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!

  51. Avatar

    Pretty component to content. I simply stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing on your feeds or even I achievement you access persistently rapidly.

  52. Avatar

    I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

  53. Avatar

    The following time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I do know it was my choice to read, but I truly thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you might repair should you werent too busy on the lookout for attention.

  54. Avatar

    I was very happy to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this glorious learn!! I positively enjoying each little little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you weblog post.

  55. Avatar

    I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

  56. Avatar

    What is Lottery Defeater Software? Lottery Defeater Software is a plug-and-play Lottery Winning Software that is fully automated. Kenneth created the Lottery Defeater software. Every time someone plays the lottery, it increases their odds of winning by around 98.

  57. Avatar

    What Is LeanBiome? LeanBiome is a natural weight loss supplement that reverses bacterial imbalance in your gut microbiome with the help of nine science-backed lean bacteria species with Greenselect Phytosome, a caffeine-free green tea extract crafted with patented phytosome technology.

  58. Avatar

    Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.

  59. Avatar

    Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything. But think of if you added some great photos or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this site could certainly be one of the best in its niche. Wonderful blog!

  60. Avatar

    wonderful submit, very informative. I wonder why the opposite specialists of this sector do not notice this. You must proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!

  61. Avatar

    I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The website style is ideal, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers

  62. Avatar

    Hiya, I am really glad I’ve found this info. Nowadays bloggers publish only about gossips and net and this is really annoying. A good website with exciting content, that is what I need. Thank you for keeping this web-site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.

  63. Avatar

    The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  64. Avatar

    Hello There. I found your blog the use of msn. That is a very smartly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.

  65. Avatar

    Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something informative to read?

  66. Avatar

    It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read even more things about it!

  67. Avatar

    Thanks for every other informative web site. Where else could I get that type of info written in such a perfect means? I’ve a undertaking that I’m simply now operating on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such info.

  68. Avatar

    Fitspresso is a brand-new natural weight loss aid designed to work on the root cause of excess and unexplained weight gain. The supplement uses an advanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healthy weight loss by targeting the fat cells’ circadian rhythm

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *