brushfire"This, yes, this, it was always like this." -Stanley Koehler
REFLECTIONS OF AN EMPTY NESTER
|
I suffer from a disorder known as TTSD. It’s a relatively new disorder, with early cases reported early to late November 2016 showing a marked increase after Jan. 20, 2017. A recent study indicates more than half the population of the United States may suffer from TTSD, with diagnoses ranging from mild to severe. The American Psychiatric Association has declared it a public mental health crisis and written an emergency addendum to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, available online.
The earliest known symptom is hyperventilation. Subjects may be seen walking around, seemingly in a daze, carrying paper bags. Other signs of the disorder are nervous tics at the mention of certain words, like “great” and “loser” and “sad.” Country names like China and Russia are considered particular triggers. Mention of “Barack” and “Obama” can have a calming effect or cause outbursts of uncontrollable crying. Treatment is still in experimental stages and there is no cure. While psychiatrists recommend exposure therapy, patients are cautioned it may lead to panic attacks, nausea or vomiting. Left untreated, patients describe feelings of increasing anxiety and despair. Their outlook is one of doom and gloom and their affect is stunned and incredulous. In worst-case scenarios, catatonic patients are found in a fetal position rocking back and forth, mumbling, “I still can’t believe it. Nearly 63 million people voted for this?” Addiction to social media is common. For some, this is a curse, increasing their sense of isolation. For others, it’s a blessing, offering companionship, solace and an outlet for emotional support. While TTSD knows no socioeconomic or geographic boundaries, it’s oddly absent among the rural white working class and white, affluent suburbanites. The outbreak is most prevalent on the east and west coasts, in urban areas and among people with a social conscience regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. Experts hope to have the epidemic eradicated by 2020, if not sooner. Scientific advances and even a breakthrough are expected as early as 2018, although research has been stymied by recent cuts in funding and a peculiar ban on any mention of the disorder. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General recently issued a warning that Trump Traumatic Stress Disorder doesn’t exist and is merely a product of fake news.
4 Comments
5/13/2017 04:09:07 am
As you know, I suffer from TTSD too. I am certainly hoping we don't need to wait until 2020 for some relief. Thanks for putting g a name on it and helping me understand I am not alone.
Reply
Mary Anne
5/13/2017 05:53:46 am
Suzy - There are many support groups and resources out there. I recommend fine wine and literature enjoyed among a group of close friends. Also, for an uplifting, positive outlook, check out happygoluckygirl.me.
Reply
Mary Anne
5/16/2017 03:43:50 am
I agree this would be beneficial to you both. There's little else I can do to help at this point.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Mary Anne BrushJournalist, fiction writer, wife and mother |