Affect Of General Environment On The Development Of Ptsd?

[ninja]

We have to interact and learn from our environments, especially growing up. We are sort of "forced" to experience them. Of course, as we get older we have some control over that, but there is an element that is always "out of our hands." I definitely believe that the general environment may "prime" us or steer us away from developing mental disorders such as PTSD. Certainly not irrelevant in my book. It may be an insufficient contributor, but this heavily depends on each specific circumstance. Hopefully this gets at your question!

 

[Abstract]

Hopefully this gets at your question!

Yes it does thank you Ninja! :) Helpful.

I have also been sitting here thinking and it is possible that some of what I am considering environment could fall under criteria A. I struggle with things that are not very clear cut and I think that is probably partly to do with the chronic invalidation issues as well as the constant self abuse going on inside me. What I mean by that is that it is as near to having a different person inside me and out of my control as one could get with out it being literal. Its not like previous self criticism and is a constant internal war that goes on and makes it difficult to see things clearly.

 

[Abstract]

Quote:
"Criterion A: stressor
The person has been exposed to a traumatic event in which both of the following have been present:

The person has experienced, witnessed, or been confronted with an event or events that involve actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of oneself or others.
The person's response involved intense fear,helplessness, or horror. Note: in children, it may be expressed instead by disorganized or agitated behavior."

I am still thinking and thinking and am coming to the conclusion that I may be using the more vague aspects to fuel my continued denial, avoidance and self abuse. I should really start a new thread about this. Lets see if do. :p

If there is a loophole I take it and so does the self abusive monster inside me.

 

[ninja]

I can so relate to what you're describing, Abstract. I learned to minimize the cruelty/gravity of the events that occurred in my childhood. I did so because I was forced to, but later found that it made living with "it" easier. However, the disparaging really just translated to grandoise denial. :facepalm:

 

[Pencil]

We have to distinguish between maternal deprivation and environment.

I grew up in a middle class environment, and went to one of the best schools in the country. My immediate environment did not harm me in any way. Ironically, I think my school environment was less healthy for me as I was surrounded by girls who came from the best families, had massive support, etc.

Maternal deprivation is my major issue - as I've stated before. Touch deprivation, emotional deprivation, etc. THAT harmed me. And then I had to go out the front door and participate and compete in an environment with people who did not have the same deficit, hole, gap, whatever you want to call it.

I want to KILL Harlow for what he did. Good God, it is SUCH cruelty!!!!! I'm so sorry the bastard is dead.

 

[Abstract]

Thank you Ninja. I relate a lot. And then I think I have some sort of introjected invalidator/abuser inside me. I can see how it is a defence mechanism and can also see how when it gets out of control it can result in self injury instead and blocks recovery. Very difficult to get past. Huge fallout whichever way I head.

 

[Abstract]

THAT harmed me

Pencil that would harm anyone. It is awful for human beings. And monkeys.

And Harlow was beyond cruel. He would not be allowed to do what he did now. Humans have benefitted as a result as before that experts thought babies were like machines. They just needed food, fluids and fresh air. Pop them in the bottom of the garden for the day and leave them there and they will be just fine. It changed everything but at such a cost.

Here is a question for you. I hope you don't mind me bringing it up as you have spoken about it fairly freely. I believe you are South African. I am not sure if that meant you were surrounded by violence of sorts or not (environment) but if you were do you think that had any impact on your PTSD at all? Lets say you just had one trauma and then were in that environment then what do think would have affected you or not?

 

[Pencil]

He would not be allowed to do what he did now.

The experiment is BEING REPEATED. Why? Is anyone going to rediscover Pluto? I'm SO angry about it.

South Africa: It is officially one of the most violent countries in the world. Whites are being murdered at an alarming rate, and the liberal press is turning a blind eye. A woman is raped every 4 seconds. I carry a panic button with me in the evenings - if something happens it would bring the security company here within 10 minutes. The police force is beyond useless, and policemen are feared as they rape women - especially victims who call them for help - to their hearts' content.

I find the topic interesting as it is pertinent here. SA is considered a traumatized society. For this reason the focus in mental health is now more on the community than on individuals. Community psychology is a big thing here. I still live a safe and protected life. In poor black communities women are raped repeatedly, and they are helpless. Hell, our president was accused of rape - and of course he was guilty, so you can imagine the message it sent to the SA public. I have to pay attention to my daughter now, will be back ....

 

[JustBe]

I also think things like being blamed when we should be protected are another way of denying us humanity. The invalidation that comes with that is another subject entirely and for me invalidation is an extremely sore point.

When it comes to resilience and things such as lack of support I think they are really important. I suspect the human mind can cope with an awful lot if there is stability and understanding in some form present.

I agree. This has been my experience, both for myself and as a parent trying to nurture and protect my children to inoculate them against future trauma.

 

[Pencil]

I suspect the human mind can cope with an awful lot if there is stability and understanding in some form present.

This is why I'm such a fan of Kohut's Self Psychology, but I've not been successful in converting anyone here ;)

 

[Abstract]

Pencil, thank you.

Leaving the politics and specifics aside re South Africa (I don't want anyone to get caught up on that rather than the concept) I think this type of dynamic relates to part of what I don't understand about trauma.

considered a traumatized society

I guess this is largely one of the things I was getting at in this thread. I have read various things that elude to the effects of something like this. Where there is a general sense of lack of safety and environment of violence. I think certain types of neglect may have some similarity in affect.

And I did not know they were doing those experiments again and am horrified.

 

[Abstract]

both for myself and as a parent

Movinon, I am sure you are a great parent. I think things like this make all the difference and I agree with what you said.