EEW Magazine Online // Trauma // Inspiring Testimonies

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing a terrifying event – something a woman named Nafessa became personally acquainted with in a horrific manner.

“After a separation with my kids’ father, I had met a friend, someone that I could talk to in a time of need and trust,” said Nafessa. “He had asked to marry me at one point. I wasn’t interested in being married. He began to stalk me, and it was scary.”

One day, he sent her message that said, “I’m following you.”

As terrifying as that message was, Nafessa could never have anticipated the horror that would come next. “I pulled into my garage, and there he stood with a gun pointed at me,” she said.

He shot her six times in front of her kids and her family.

"I could remember clearly when the paramedic pronounced me dead," said Nafessa. "I had my eyes closed, and I was just praying."

Thankfully, God heard and answered her prayers, and Nafessa survived, but she sustained more than physical injuries. Psychologically, she couldn’t get past what happened to her and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. She was referred to Dr. Terri Deroon-Cassini, a trauma and acute care psychologist and an associate professor at Medical College of Wisconsin, who sees patients that might need emotional guidance following trauma.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, events that may lead to PTSD include, but are not limited to: violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, combat, and other forms of violence.

About one half of all U.S. adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lives, but most do not develop PTSD. People who experience PTSD may have persistent, frightening thoughts and memories of the event, experience sleep problems, feel detached or numb, or may be easily startled. In severe forms, PTSD can significantly impair a person's ability to function at work, at home, and socially.

Dr. Deroon-Cassini, who initially met Nafessa when she came to the Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee where the level one trauma team had operated on her, knows the signs well. "We are one of about five level one trauma centers in the country that has a trauma psychology team embedded within the trauma surgery program," said Dr. Deroon-Cassini who serves as an essential member of the trauma care team.

Nafessa was undoubtedly displaying signs. She was having trouble remembering things from the incident, so Dr. Deroon Cassini suggested that Nafessa use her passion for writing to write out her feelings and thoughts about the incident.

Nafessa also had a fear of being in garages, so the doctor suggested that Nafessa sit in her car, in a garage, until she became comfortable with her surroundings. This is a form of psychological intervention known as Prolonged Exposure therapy.

With plenty of support and prayer, it took Nafessa eight months to resume her life. These days, she continues to progress in her career and take on new roles. Even though there are certain things that could potentially trigger Nafessa's PTSD, she continues to have ongoing support.

"You can't get through it alone. Having a full staff that can help you get through that trauma and help your family, it's priceless,” said Nafessa.

If you believe you are suffering from PTSD and are unsure of where you can go for help, you can start in these places:

• Your family doctor

• Your OB/GYN

• Social workers

• Mental health counselors

• Community mental health clinics

• Support groups

• Private clinics

• Psychiatric services at local universities, schools, or hospitals

Don’t be embarrassed or too afraid to get help. There is life after trauma.