Crime Trauma and Mental Health

Crime Trauma and Mental Health

Trauma is defined as an event that threatens life or bodily integrity. One may be traumatized directly, through a relationship with someone who has been traumatized or through witnessing such an event. Because a person survived a trauma physically intact does not mean that they are not injured. Just as too much stress on a bone will break it, too much stress on the psyche will cause a breakdown of normal functioning.

The symptoms in the aftermath of a trauma are sometimes so extreme that individuals often feel as though they are going crazy. Indeed the mood swings, anxiety, lack of sleep, inability to concentrate and think clearly, changes in appetite, flashbacks, nightmares and depression may feel crazy but are symptoms of psychological injury. Flashbacks and nightmares can be so extreme that it feels as though the traumatic event is recurring. Relationships and self confidence can suffer as a result.

There are three groupings of symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. “Avoidance” is a common reaction to a trauma, attempting to repress it by denying its effects, focusing only on the positive, avoidance of any discussion or reminder of the event. Although avoidance may in the moment feel better, it also delays the victim in getting the help needed to completely recover from the trauma symptoms. The sooner the victim gets help, the better the prognosis. The second grouping of symptoms is the “re-experiencing symptoms;” flashbacks, nightmares, and mood swings fall into this category. The third grouping of symptoms is “hyperarousal symptoms” of anxiety, insomnia, feeling jumpy and fearful. All of these symptoms are normal reactions to an abnormal event.

Trauma symptoms are not understood by non-professionals who have not been traumatized. Comments by others in the wake of trauma can often compound the effects of the trauma. In the immediate aftermath of the traumatic event, affect and mood can swing widely, people can fluctuate between feeling numb and hysterical and everything in between. All of these fluctuations are normal reactions to the traumatic event. Immediate reactions to a traumatic event are as unique as the individuals who have them, and because the variety of reactions is not what others expect, the victim is sometimes not believed, his or her distress is invalidated and the victim may, as a result, question his or her sanity all the more.

Terrorism, abuse, crime are interpersonal traumas caused by one or more human perpetrators. Interpersonal trauma often means that the ability to trust and feel safe often affect one’s ability to have and sustain relationships that are intimate, satisfying and nurturing.

Natural disasters can have a devastating effect on one’s ability to hope and maintain faith in the wake of human and material losses.

Any type of trauma can include a spiritual crisis where one’s beliefs about the universe are shattered, a sense of power and safety are torn away, and one is left with the additional loss of faith and belief that the universe is friendly and good and that there is a purpose and place for him or her within the grand design.

Through a holistic approach, treatment is not limited to symptom elimination, but includes emotional and relationship healing as well as addressing the spiritual and existential dimensions of the trauma.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is highly treatable and real healing is possible.

Victims of Crime Grants for Psychotherapy

If you or your child have been a victim of a crime that has been reported to the police or social services and are cooperating in the investigation and prosecution process, then you may receive psychotherapy for the traumatic impact of the crime paid for by the state.

If you are the victim’s spouse, child, parent or sibling, grandparent or grandchild, lived in the victim’s household at the time of the crime or who had lived with the victim for at least two years in a relationship similar to a spouse, child, parent or sibling of the victim or the primary caretaker of a minor victim you may also be entitled to the same benefits.

There is a one year time limit after the crime to apply for the benefits. It is good idea to apply for it whether or not you think you need it at the time. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can have a delayed onset months or years after the traumatic event. Minors have up until their 19th birthday to apply, however it is best to apply right away as paperwork and records get lost. In light of delayed onset PTSD, it is a good idea to have the grant money and Victims of Crime claim number already in place in case symptoms do surface. It is important to apply for the mental health benefits for children since they may need psychotherapy at a much later date. Problems may surface at certain developmental stages that could not have been addressed when the the crime first occurred or child was younger.

In one application other benefits such as medical/dental, wage or income loss, support loss for dependents of a deceased or disabled victim, funeral and/or burial expenses, crime scene cleanup (homicide only), home or vehicle modifications for a disabled victim, home security improvements, moving/relocation expenses that are crime related may be paid for by the state when not covered by insurance or another source.

This is an excellent program to help the victims of crime. It is difficult enough to be a victim of a crime without the financial burden incurred by the crime. For more information call the Victims of Crime Program at 1 800 777-9229. Or call Nancy Poitou, at 626 358-0155.

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