Dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
by Dr. Marianne Rolland

We now know that survivors of any major catastrophic event are likely experiencing symptoms of PTSD. Alaska Native service providers recognize that a high rate of their clientele are suffering. When a person has experienced or witnessed any form of intense trauma they may be suffering from PTSD.

Symptoms include:

• Flashbacks about traumatic events

• Feelings of detachment

• Nightmares and sleep disturbances

• Angry outbursts

• Depression

• Memory disturbances

• Family discord

• Feelings of guilt, shame or numbness

• Repeated and disturbing memories and dreams of past stressful experiences

• Physical reactions such as heart-pounding, trouble breathing or sweating when something triggers a stressful experience from the past

• Avoidance of activities or situations because you are reminded of a traumatic experience

• Trouble remembering

• Loss of interest in things that once were enjoyed

• Feeling distant or cut off from other people

• Feeling as if somehow the future will be cut short

• Being “super alert” or “watchfull and on guard”

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feelling jumpy or easily startled

• Uncontrollable crying

• Intense fear of either men or women

• Desire to physically hurt self

• Unnecessary or over-frequent washing

• Confusion about sexual feelings

• Desire to physically hurt others

• Feeling that you are not always in your body

PTSD is treatable and the majority of clients experience a full sense of recovery using methods practiced at the White Raven Center. The healing process requires that participants access stored emotions and memories, and through a guided process re-frame the traumatic experiences in a way that brings clarity and peaceful resolution.

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