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October 30, 2020 by Shirley Huisman Leave a Comment

Treating Muslims for PTSD

A Pew Research Center analysis of new hate crimes statistics from the FBI found the number of assaults against Muslims living in America rose significantly between the years of 2015 and 2016. These figures surpassed the level of hate crimes reported even after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. And according to a report put out by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the number of anti-Muslim hate crimes in this country rose an astounding 91% in the first half of 2017 compared with the same period the year before.

Needless to say, the current political and social environment has led to a majority of Muslims dealing with hateful rhetoric. This Islamophobia adds to the trauma many Muslims, who have emigrated to this country seeking safety from war-torn regions, already face.

Often times, trauma has been suppressed by people who have dealt with the reality of savage war. When they come to this country and deal with anger and hostility, this hatefulness can often bring up their suppressed emotions.

Treating PTSD in Muslim Populations

Among others, Kunst’s research suggests that harassment and hostility are the biggest factors contributing to the long-term mental health issues found in Muslim populations. What has also been uncovered is that the younger they are when they experience harassment, the more likely they are to develop PTSD.

While this country has some of the best mental health services available to residents, members of the Muslim community share a similar worldview based on their religious beliefs that dictate how and if members receive treatment from the Westernized healthcare system. For a majority of Muslims, God’s will comes before their own will. This makes seeing treatment for PTSD a bit tricky. Other cultural differences also make seeking treatment next to impossible.

But there are some things clinicians can do to reach out to the Muslim community in an effort to help alleviate their symptoms of PTSD:

Culturally Sensitive Therapy

Research shows how culturally sensitive interventions may make it more likely for Muslims to accept care. The first step is to recognize the hostilities Muslims face in this country. A report in the Journal of Muslim Mental Health suggests therapists recognize the microaggressions and unconscious intolerance Muslims experience on a daily basis that are adding to their trauma. Understand where some of their trauma comes from, specifically their experiences with discrimination based on ethnic background, culture, or religion, and the fear of being deported.

Consider Offering Religious Integrated Therapy

It’s a great idea to seek religious sensitivity training so that you may provide culturally appropriate care to Muslim patients. You may also want to consider implementing religious integrated therapy into your practice. The Khalil Center, the largest national mental health provider for Muslim faith communities, provides a recommended standard for spiritually integrated interventions.

Engage

To understand the people you seek to help, it’s best to engage with them personally to find out how you can best help them. If there are institutions and hospitals in your area that focus on serving Muslim populations, these can be ideal engagement partners to learn more from.

If you or someone you know is Muslim and would like to explore treatment options in a safe and non-judgmental environment, please get in touch with me. I would be happy to discuss how I may be able to help you.

 

SOURCES:

  • https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/cultural-competency/education/stress-and-trauma/muslims
  • https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/vistas/working-with-muslims-perspectives-and-suggestions-for-counseling.pdf?sfvrsn=4

Filed Under: Religion / Spirituality, Trauma / PTSD

January 4, 2020 by Shirley Huisman Leave a Comment

Do You Have C-PTSD?

You have most likely heard the term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – also known as PTSD. It is used to describe the mental and emotional anguish suffered by those who have experienced sudden trauma. PTSD is often experienced by soldiers as well as those who have been victims of rape and other crimes, and even victims of house fires and car accidents.

Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) describes a condition that very much presents like PTSD, the difference being the sufferer experienced prolonged periods of abuse or neglect. This could happen as a result of childhood neglect or the abuse suffered at the hands of a narcissistic partner.

Diagnosing C-PTSD

Diagnosing C-PTSD is tricky because the symptoms are usually not very unique. That is to say, someone who is suffering from C-PTSD may be experiencing anxiety and lethargy, but these symptoms match other mental health issues.

But it is very important to accurately diagnose C-PTSD because of the necessary treatment measures. The main difference between C-PTSD and other mental health issues – say, bipolar disorder – is that C-PTSD is a result of things that were done TO an individual, and not an intrinsic problem. In other words, someone suffers from C-PTSD because of abuse and neglect at the hands of another and not because of genetically determined brain chemistry.

To help correctly identify C-PTSD, a therapist must uncover an accurate history to understand if:

  • The individual has experienced multiple prolonged traumas that have lasted for months (or even years)
  • The traumas were caused by someone the individual had a deep interpersonal relationship with and/or someone who was part of their primary care network (most commonly a parent or caregiver)
  • These traumas were experienced as permanent features of life, with the individual unable to see any end in sight
  • The individual had no control or power over the person traumatizing them

Symptoms of C-PTSD

As I just mentioned, the outward symptoms of C-PTSD may match other mental health disorders. Those symptoms include:

  • Flashbacks and nightmares in which the trauma is relived.
  • Avoiding people, places, and situations that remind them of the trauma.
  • Dizziness or nausea when remembering the trauma.
  • Hyperarousal. This is a state of high alert and one they often lived in.
  • A belief that the world is a dangerous place.
  • A loss of trust in self or others.
  • Difficulty sleeping and concentrating.
  • Being startled by loud noises.

Treatment for C-PTSD

There are a few different treatment options for people suffering from C-PTSD:

Psychotherapy

Therapy can take place on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting. The focus will be on addressing feelings, improving connections with others, and dealing with anxiety and flashbacks. Many therapists have had success using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helping people cope with the symptoms of C-PTSD.

EMDR

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. This is a process that uses eye movement to help a person desensitize their reactions to a specific traumatic event. The result is the person can eventually recall the memory but have no emotional reaction to it.

Medication

Some individuals may need to be on medications for a while to reduce their anxiety. A therapist can work with you to determine if this is the best course of action.

 

If you believe you are suffering from C-PTSD and would like to explore treatment options, please be in touch. I’d be happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

Filed Under: Abuse/Neglect, Anxiety, General, Trauma / PTSD

Shirley Huisman



(803) 667-1783
info@oasistherapyservices.com

458 Old Cherokee Rd. #201
Lexington, SC 29072

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458 Old Cherokee Rd. #201
Lexington, SC 29072

(803) 667-1783
info@oasistherapyservices.com

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