The many faces of PTSD

Published on February 17, 2020

Johnathon

Johnathon was a high functioning hedge fund manager.  He was successful and seemed to be doing well in his life except for in his relationships.  As a child, his father would hit him, and he could never predict when the violencewould occur.  Whenever someone was disappointed with him or upset with him, he would lash out and become verbally aggressive.  He would tear the other person apart and then be filled with regret and shame afterwards.  His rage would often get the better of him.  This left him feeling out of control and helpless.

Susanne

Susanne had a difficult time leaving her home.  She had set her home up to be a peaceful place, with little to no chaos or noise.  Any sudden noise would startle her and make her jump.  When she would leave, she would often be worried about being attacked.  In crowded places, she often felt trapped and would have a panic attack.  As a teenager, Susanne was sexually assaulted.  Since then, she found it challenging to enjoy events in places that she had never been too.  She often looked for the exit and would go home early so that she could go home where she felt safe.  Susanne was a people pleaser.  If she could keep everyone happy, then perhaps no one would hurt her.

Derek

Derek had a difficult time connecting with others since his friend committed suicide.  He was afraid to get close to anyone, as he didn’t want to feel the pain of losing someone again.  He often ruminated about what he could have done better.  He was full of shame and guilt about not being able to see the red flags that his friend was depressed.  Almost nightly, he suffered from nightmares.  He often felt like he was worthless and often contemplated committing suicide himself.

Phillip

Phillip often suffered from flashbacks.  Out of nowhere, he would relive the gun violence that he had witnessed at his school.  His flashback would leave him on the floor in a panic.  It was as if the event was happening all over again.  He could smell the gun powder and feel the terror as his tremors weakened his legs, and he collapsed to the floor.  He was so worried that this would happen in public that he often isolated himself.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – PTSD

PTSD happens to people other than soldiers.  It often leaves people feeling terror and shame.  It is ok to ask for help; you are not broken.   PTSD is highly treatable and is not a life sentence.  You are not weak for asking for help; it is ok to stop fighting.  It might seem unsafe to stop the hypervigilance and to trust, but a professional can walk you through the darkness and back into the light.

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If you feel like you have some of these symptoms please do contact me to set up an appointment. Please contact +852 2521 4668 or email m.borschel@mindnlife.com

Photo by Vince Fleming on Unsplash


Category(s):Anger Management, Anxiety, Complex PTSD, Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) / Trauma / Complex PTSD, Relationships & Marriage

Written by:

Dr Monica Borschel

Welcome! My passion is to help you find inner peace and emotional comfort within yourself and your relationships.

As social creatures, our relationships significantly shape our happiness, well-being, and sense of self-worth. Unfortunately, many of us have experienced relationship-related traumas, which can leave us with emotional scars that require recovery.

Attachment traumas, such as divorce, break-ups, infidelity, neglect, and abuse, can be challenging. As an expert in attachment, loss, and trauma, I have spent many years studying how attachment styles can shift with loss and trauma.

I have seen how healthy relationships can lead to secure attachment and how insecure attachment can create turmoil in our lives. I aim to guide you toward cultivating healthy relationships with yourself, your children, your co-parent, and your romantic partner.

I can help you develop new attachment strategies that will allow you to form deeper connections and bonds with those around you. And, if you have children, I can also assist you in establishing secure attachments with both parents, which can be especially helpful in cases of separation or divorce.

I am originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at The University of Utah. From there, I moved to New York City, earning my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. I then pursued my Doctorate in Social Work and Social Administration at the University of Hong Kong. I lived and worked in Hong Kong as a practicing Clinical Psychologist from 2010-2020. I reside in California and am pursuing my Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) at California Southern University. My training and qualifications include certifications in Brainspotting and High Conflict Coaching.

These tools, combined with my extensive knowledge and experience in the field, enable me to offer you the guidance and support you need to recover from past traumas and build healthy relationships.

My approach to therapy is empathetic, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs. Every person can grow, and thrive. I am committed to helping you achieve your goals. So, whether you are struggling with relationship issues, divorce, abuse, attachment traumas, or other challenges, I am here to help you find the peace and comfort you deserve.

Email me at info@doctormonicaborschel.com or call the MindnLife Clinic at 852 2521 4668