Trauma and Recovery by Herman - Book Report/Review Example

(Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence – From domestic abuse to political terror) Reflective Journal Summary In the course of this semester, I managed to read the book on Trauma and recovery, by Herman. The book was published in the year 1992. Regarding the way the book unfold s it events and even on it is conclusion, the author might be regarded being very inventive. As the chapters unfold we get to understand how the book has transformed our thinking and perception about those suffering from Trauma and any other event related to Trauma. In the contemporary time,Herman records the implausible response the book has brought forth and explicates how the issues revolving around the topic have changed within the clinical society and the ethnicity at large. Trauma and Recovery brings a new height of comprehension to a set of tribulations usually well thought-out independently (Herman 125-155). From several chapters of the book, the author has managed to present person (s) experience in a wide political framework, in contention that psychological trauma can be perceived only in a social context. Scrupulously acknowledged and recurrently using the victims’ own words as well as those from typical literary works and prison diaries. I believe that Trauma and Recovery is a powerful work that will carry on to intensely impacting our thinking (Herman 160-165). The impact of being under Trauma is a situation where their complete absence of supportive measures or simply, the endorsed accommodation cannot be determined. As documented from the journal, it has been revealed that violence is rampant with a continuation of early discrimination. As per the psychiatric definition, “Trauma” is a condition outside the normal human experience. Generally, the condition leaves one feeling weak, helpless and paralyzed. It also tends to be abrupt and devastating. As the author quotes, it “owns” you. When we say that one is left paralyzed, we particularly relate this to the brain, since it is not in a position to think positively during and after Trauma (Herman 201). At the same time, one is compelled to focus on the consciousness in an effort to deal. Other authors have defined Trauma, as any abrupt and potentially life-threatening condition. This relates to Trauma that happens once, but most is applies to prolonged, recurring Trauma as well. Some of the instances that might drive a person into suffering from Trauma are inclusive but not limited to; ordinary catastrophes, rapes issues and assaults, burglary, misfortunes and Fires incidents among others (Herman 211-215). According to my own view, in I tend to believe there are some other circumstances that might drive one into suffering from prolonged Trauma. I believe the author was very categorical here, when he highlighted on some of the circumstances, for instance, corporeal or sexual violence as a young person or spouse, fights, imprisonment, refugees life, detained and lastly but not the least leading a religious cult life. On some other grounds, I refute to what the author says that, there are some conditions that might lead to an immediate effect, while others might take a great deal of time. Whether it is immediate or gradual, the upshot of it all is Trauma and the ways of recovering are similar. I am for the opinion that even absorption of shock is dependent on the individuals’ personality and the circumstances a person is going through in life. For instance, some of the immediate effects of a single-instance Trauma comprise: Emotions, and as, Herman has highlighted some aspects that might drive one into experience Trauma that is likely to be caused by this factor are, Shock, this takes into consideration some number of emotions, questioning of perceptions and memory interruptions (Herman 220-223). Being denounced by the society, close friends and family members may also contribute to emotional stress. This heightens the rate of shock absorption, one feels helpless, and such fear of being deserted, leaves one in a confused and bewildered moments in life. It thus takes time for one to accept the realities in life, and at one time or another in such a situation Trauma may creep in. Not all circumstances that may lead to a fatal Trauma, for instance, lack of sensation, lack of sensation, feeling unease, crying, severe nervousness and insecurity, stubbornness and dissociation may have little or no effect, depending on their intensity (Herman 267-271). As Herman asserts, cognitive factors may wholly or partially lead to one being diagnosed of Trauma. Some of the contributing factors that may lead one in into suffering from such a condition are; distrust, confusion, slow thinking or rather poor concentration, unwanted thinking, traumatic memories or rather intense thinking and lastly forgetfulness. On the same note, I support what the author says, that slow thinking sometimes leads to one delving in one aspect for a long time, and thus forget about others. The reason herein is that, the mind is not very functional, and in most cases the body is takes charge. Even though the author has tried to give a distinction between the effects of prolonged Trauma and an instant Trauma, I think the difference is the same (Herman 285). The only pronounced effects of Trauma are known to be Traumatic Stress Disorder, the multifaceted Post-Traumatic Stress disorder and a range of Mental and physical ailments. I believe that, being hospitalized or rather being under strict medication does not suppress the condition. The only possible that can lower the effects is accepting oneself and the fact that one is suffering from the condition. Secondly, its best to give an ear to those suffering from Trauma, and in this one should let the survivor know that he/ she is being listened at. It is also in order to reassure that victim that, there are possible ways from which one can withdraw from the condition and survive. Besides offering emotional assistance, practical support is also fundamental, for instance cooking for the person and any other practical work that need to be tackled. Herman has also accentuated on the importance of avoiding condemnation on the survivors of Trauma (Herman 290-292). Instead, one ought to give a suggestion that the condition happened out of fate or rather Gods’ doing. This helps in lessening the individuals feelings, or rather tell them that you precisely know how they feel. Also appreciating any actions taken by the victims might help in minimizing the risks associated to Trauma, unless the actions are fatal to the victim or to others. As reviewed from this journal, regardless of the domestic violence, for instance, sexual assault and other related form of violence being key factors towards suffering from Trauma after the incident, they are few services provided to gratify the multifaceted range of emotional and corporeal scars which the assaulted person(s) have to deal with (Herman 301-310). In most cases, the resources that could cater for such instances are unavailable due to the stretched nature of the resources as well as subsequent absence of media and Public health care related to such cases. The aftermath of such phenomenon is that, the victims find themselves in dire situations of help, and this capitalizes on Trauma. Moreover, survivors of Trauma who have been isolated in the society have been stigmatized and labeled as unfortunate citizens in the society; yet they need to be given special attention, appreciated and respected as they always experience darkness in their lives. A continued condemnation, arbitration and demoralization of those suffering from domestic violence, means that the society will never identify any avenue towards advocating for a positive change (Herman 324). Battling over a positive change will only be possible, if the entire society (inclusive of the government) hold hands and support the victims undergoing such agonies in life. As denotes, Herman, Trauma survivors, are expected to first of all secure themselves a safe place. He considers the remaining steps to include recollection and remembrance and reconnecting with the surrounding environment. In essence, the only possible and effective way in controlling the condition is by accepting changes and acknowledging changes that trauma has effected in your life. Recollection and remembrance Involves lamenting over the actualities and potentialities that were lost (Herman 325-327). Reconnection on the other hand is a time for meditation. It’s a time for one to make out on the positive changes shaped by the traumas, rejoicing the survivor self and deepening propinquity with others. Finally, miller also believes that recovery is possible and he identifies the stages of recovery. The first stage is the outer stage, and this includes a moment for enhancing safety and understanding and drawing basic information (Herman 350-365). (A shining affliction: A story of harm and healing in psychotherapy) In getting to understand much about how a person may handle stress/depression and how to recover from it, I also had a look on ‘A shining affliction: A story of harm and healing in psychotherapy”, by Rogers. The book tells of the difficulties involved in the journey to recovery from depression. In this book, the writer compares the illness with war where the patient emerges as the victor having come from the agony of depression and trouncing the illness to full recovery and timely health. The writer has reflected on various issues that might lead into getting caught in the web of depression. The most salient aspect of this book is that it reflects mostly on psychologists and not patients. This is crucial as it indicates that it is not only patients vulnerable but doctors can also find themselves in such a mischief. The question that then arises is, how does a physician treat a patient and avoids getting drowned by what the patient reveals to him/her? Through the book the author elucidates on the effects of depression by asserting that they are permanent and that even though one may recover health wise the scars caused by the depression are permanent (Rogers 250). The book predominantly explores the personal experience of a clinical psychologist Miss Rodgers who while treating a patient falls into depression and it becomes a case of double patients. This can be explained by the fact doctors are human beings and their past personal experiences affects their future and this can be rekindled by similar experiences. Miss Rodgers does the wise thing and comes clean by telling her patient the truth about her childhood experience and they walk through the recovery together as a team. I believe that most of the lives that are lost, occurs due to negligence and a “don’t care attitude” from the health practitioners. I can figure out how a trained heath officer could be affected by his/her past experiences to an extent of passing the same a patient. Are they not trained to handle themselves professionally? Even though the author claims that, doctors are also prone to making mistakes but such should not happen. One should not work out through the patient and forget oneself (Rogers 16). This can be understood by appreciating the fact it is exceptionally difficult if not impossible to separate personal traits and professional undertakings. Contrary to this, whether we like or not our personal experiences affect our jobs. The personal traits can be biological, cultural and sometimes emotional and one cannot pin-point the exact cause. Another key point is that the effects are subconscious and one may not the past is catching up with her until it’s too late. It requires a deliberate and purposeful personal effort to be able to fight the depression. It must be appreciated that the childhood experiences are a sleeping monster and the longer it takes to address the issue the much we are likely one to get affected by the issue. It is also explained that the most ingredient for recovery does not know how to deal with traumatic experiences and not antidepressants drugs (Rogers 228). In another perspective, as pertains to this article, the authors of the books are psychologist and not patients (Rogers 315-318). The fact they agree to tell their stories is extremely significant as it involves a particularly high risk as they put their professional careers on the line. This based on the fact that therapy treatment depends on the attitude of the patient towards recovery; this is mostly instilled by the therapist. Then question that arises is how does someone who is suffering or has suffered from the same illness instill this confidence? Can the relevant professional body allow such a psychologist to treat a patient? Miss Jamison tells how difficult to deal with depression while trying to conceal the same. The lesson learnt is come clean and you will deal with your depression successfully (Rogers 320-322). Works Cited Herman, JL. Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence – From domestic abuse to political terror. New York: Basic Books, 1992. Rogers, Annie.G. A shining affliction: A story of harm and healing in psychotherapy. New York: Viking Penguin, 1995. Read More