How Can I Reclaim My Life After a Physical Attack?

Reader’s Question

Hello, I was physically attacked almost two years ago; this created a ripple-effect in my life. Since this past October, I’ve been receiving counseling two hours per week in Manhattan, for symptoms of chronic PTSD. For the past two years, I have not been able to hold a job, am now on Medicaid, afraid to leave the apartment, etc. Before this violence occurred, I was able to function, had a career, was independent. I had symptoms of PTSD and experienced symptoms of panic and anxiety, but had counseling over the years and learned some helpful skills. The past two years, however, I’ve been feeling emotionally crippled. I understand that the recovery I am in is important and the symptoms are all part of the healing process. I’m writing this email to ask if you can give me some advice re: programs in the Manhattan area that are offered to women with my diagnosis (out-patient and inpatient). I know if things get really hard, I can go to St. Luke’s psychiatric program in the hospital.

But I would much prefer a program that focuses specifically on PTSD. Do you know of any programs like this in or near NYC as well as the U.S.?

Thank you,
~ Mary

Our Consulting Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

I’m not familiar with specific programs in the NYC area although treatment models used with 9/11 victim and witnesses would also deal with PTSD.

Chronic PTSD is often a combination of PTSD features (traumatic recollection, avoidance behavior, hypervigilance, etc.) AND chronic depression. Your report of anxiety and panic supports my impression that you are dealing with chronic depression as well as PTSD. Many times, the chronic depression can be more immobilizing than the PTSD features. A few recommendations:

• Consult a psychiatrist to evaluate your current level of depression, anxiety, and panic. We have a variety of medications that would be helpful in your situation.
• Read my article on Emotional Memory. It addresses trauma memory and offers practical ways to decrease and manage those intrusive memories.
• Consider support groups in your area. Appropriate models would be agoraphobia, panic, and depressive disorder support groups.
• Like folks who plan a workout schedule, start developing out-of-apartment routines. First determine safe routes/places and times of day, then equip yourself with safety equipment (cell phone, mace, whistle, etc.), then begin venturing out. Each day stay out a bit longer. Then add different routes.
• Check to see if your hospital or community mental health center has programs that might be helpful.
• Most universities have psychology and psychiatry departments that offer support and treatment as part of their teaching and learning experiences for students. See what they have to offer.
• If you have close friends or family, begin venturing out with them.
• You are probably thinking catastropically right now. Being the victim of an assault doesn’t make another assault more likely. Ask others what they do to make themselves feel safer.
  Your best chance for recovery is using a combination of several approaches.