The new face of PTSD ~ Part 2

With semi-tousled hair, t-shirt and jeans, by the look of John one would then assume, he is like any typical 18 year old. He plays the guitar, just graduated senior high school, and hopes to attend college. But John’s story is one that is becoming an all too familiar tale for the young people within our community and across the United States.

John’s life story of struggle began 15 years ago. At 3 years old, John suffered unthinkable traumas. In his own words, “I had spent the majority of my life unable to process what had happened to me and had buried the memories.” Around the age of 12, John began to self-mutilate by cutting and burning himself. These acts of self-injury went undetected by John’s family until he was 16 and it was only due to a friend coming forward that the family was made aware. One might ask, “How could the family not know?” The answer is very simple, people who self-injure are good at hiding it.

Once John’s family discovered his self-harming behaviors, he was placed in an acute care facility and finally diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Unfortunately, even after the diagnosis and brief acute treatment, John’s struggles where far from over. He was placed in a school that is referred to as a partial hospitalization program. John states, “The school did more harm than good and that he was repeatedly told his issues were his fault.” During a PTSD flashback, which sent John to the emergency room, an employee for a crisis intervention center spoke briefly with John. The employee made sure to give John their business card and stated “Please, make sure to tell your friends at the facility and have them call me.” John’s family states that this was a shameless solicitation for business. Continuing to suffer from flashbacks and the daily misery of school, John attempted to commit suicide.

Thankfully unsuccessful in his attempt to exit life, he was placed in a long-term psychiatric residential program. John is finally receiving the treatment that he needs. Throughout the interview, John and his family stated that getting information and finding appropriate care was near impossible. They acknowledge that John is extremely fortunate to have found a residential treatment program. What about the next child? What are we as a community going to do on behalf of our children? The next young person may be successful with their attempt of suicide.

*names and certain identifying details have been changed