Towards a better life with your psychologist

May 18, 2025 Features / Columnists, News, Waterfalls Magazine

---

By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc.

Clinical and Developmental Psychologist -Psychoanalyst

Kaieteur News- In Guyana, there is no shortage of traumatic events. We are exposed to trauma as primary and secondary victims. Our nation is struggling with mental health issues, including children as young as three years old. We are burning both ends of the candles, draining our energy. Living as survivors, this makes us unable to show up for ourselves in important times.

Within the last five days, strangers, patients, and friends have reached out seeking help for their psychological imbalance and distress. Individuals who did not know Adriana Younge struggle to sleep, going to bed at 10 and waking at 10:30, never to sleep again. Others claim to hear her voice crying for help even though they have never met or known each other. At the same time, others at work begin to experience sudden panic attacks, becoming restless and lashing out at their children for no reason. Others see images of Ms. Younge’s body in the pool, or images of her playing when they close their eyes. Terrible nightmares. These are symptoms of psychological distress on our nervous system. If not addressed, much worse will be experienced.

Some Guyanese are already experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder.  While a number of weeks after is considered soon, it is not too soon for PTSD, since there were previous traumatic experiences that we have not yet gotten closure and healing. We had to abandon other events and experiences and turn our attention to new ones, maybe while we were going through domestic violence at home, a complicated pregnancy, or processing the killings at Linden, or the three family members who lost their lives in family violence. Alternatively, going through a painful breakup or the loss of a loved one or job. Moreover, that had to be abandoned, and now the focus is on what happened to Adriana Younge.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is defined as an anxiety disorder that develops in reaction to physical injury or severe mental or emotional distress. Trauma is exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, either directly-by witnessing it, or by learning of it being experienced by a close family member or friend. (They include) physical, sexual, mental, emotional, even spiritual abuse; school bullying domestic violence natural disasters, traumatic grief, developmental trauma, traffic collision, child neglect, disaster trauma, intergenerational trauma, terrorism, witnessing violence, assault, childbirth, chronic condition, collective trauma, community violence, life-threatening illnesses, military combat, refugee trauma, secondary trauma and exposure to the trauma of others.

C-PTSD is PTSD at 2.0 level, it is primarily formed by experiencing prolonged and repeated trauma, particularly coming from childhood all through adulthood. This is the reality of Guyanese every five years and seems to be much more frequent and continuous in the form of childhood, relationships, workplace, race relations, economics, political instability, etc. We are re-traumatised. Every so often, we survive rather than live a quality life.

It is these once or repeated traumatic experiences that lead to post-traumatic stress disorders over time. (PTSD) is defined as a mental health condition that develops after exposure to witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. The event has ended, but our nervous system is still dysregulated. Anyone can be at risk of developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after experiencing a traumatic event. However, certain factors can increase our likelihood of developing the disorder, including previous trauma experiences, a family history of mental health conditions, and individuals with a lack of or poor social support or network. Additional stressors, such as the loss of a loved one, job, or promotion, only increase the risk and specific characteristics of the traumatic event.

Additionally, certain groups are statistically more likely to develop PTSD, such as women; childhood adversities and, individuals from marginalised groups by sexual orientation LGBTQ+, those experiencing racism, political marginalisation, and poverty.  While PTSD can occur at any age, it is more common in younger adults, 18 to 45 years. Specific occupations: such as law enforcement or emergency responders, may be at increased risk.

Some crippling impact of PTSD- C-PTSD on our mind and body:

Hypervigilance and the Amygdala: can lead to an overactive amygdala, the brain’s alarm center, causing individuals to be constantly on alert for threats, even in safe situations. This hypervigilance can manifest as excessive fear reactions, difficulty relaxing, and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli.

Emotional Dysregulation and the Prefrontal Cortex: The prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functions like decision-making and emotional regulation, may be negatively affected. This leads to difficulty controlling impulses, managing emotions, and making sound decisions.

Memory and the Hippocampus: The hippocampus, crucial for memory formation and consolidation, can be affected by chronic stress and trauma. In some cases, it may shrink in volume, potentially impacting memory recall, including traumatic memories.

Stress Response: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body’s stress response, can be disrupted.  This can increase stress hormone production (e.g., cortisol), resulting in hyperarousal, sleep difficulties, and other physiological symptoms.

Neurotransmitter Imbalances: PTSD – C-PTSD may also involve imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which affect mood regulation and stress response.

Sympathetic Nervous System Activation: The sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response, can be chronically activated in individuals with C-PTSD.  This can lead to persistent physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, and digestive issues.

Disassociation: PTSD- C-PTSD can also involve disassociation, a feeling of detachment from oneself or the surrounding world. This can manifest as depersonalisation (feeling like you are watching yourself from the outside) or derealisation (feeling like the world is unreal). Untreated trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder increase our risk of other mental health conditions, social isolation, difficulties in maintaining employment, and negative impacts on physical health. Untreated C-PTSD can increase the likelihood of developing or worsening.

Difficulty with daily functioning- PTSD- C-PTSD can impair concentration, organisation, and overall ability to manage daily tasks and responsibilities.

Increased susceptibility to illness: -The chronic stress associated with PTSD can weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to infections and other illnesses

Chronic pain and other physical ailments: PTSD- C-PTSD can lead to chronic pain, headaches, digestive problems, and other physical complaints.

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Chronic stress and the constant state of hyperarousal associated with PTSD can contribute to cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.

Substance abuse and addiction: Individuals with PTSD- C-PTSD may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms, leading to addiction.

Self-harm and suicidal ideation: Untreated PTSD- C-PTSD is linked to an increased risk of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and even suicide.

Difficulties in maintaining employment: PTSD- C-PTSD can make it challenging to maintain employment due to symptoms like difficulty concentrating, irritability, and anxiety.

Foreshortened future: Untreated PTSD- C-PTSD can lead to feelings of hopelessness, loss of motivation, and a reduced sense of future possibilities.

Physical Health Issues: PTSD- C-PTSD can have physical consequences, including chronic pain, fatigue, and other physical symptoms.

TREATMENT PLAN

Treatment for CPTSD (Complex PTSD) focuses on a combination of therapy and, in some cases, medication to address the symptoms and challenges associated with long-term, chronic trauma. It often involves a longer duration and a more individualised approach compared to PTSD treatment.

Psychotherapy: provide a safe space to explore feelings, build trust, and develop healthier relationships. This is the best approach that provides permanent healing and quality of life.

Other Approaches: Short term fixes in Grounding Techniques: Help individuals stay present and manage flashbacks or anxiety.

Other Techniques with psychotherapy: Mindfulness and meditation can help improve emotional regulation and reduce stress.

Deep Breathing: This can also help manage stress and improve emotional regulation.

Self-Care: Incorporating self-care practices like exercise, healthy eating, and helping others, attending religious functions can support overall well-being.

Support Networks: Connecting with support groups or online forums can provide valuable peer support.

Here is a grounding technique that you can use to temporarily deal with the impact of PTSD until you find a psychotherapist within 48 hours.

Close your eyes. Breathe in for four beats.

Hold it for four.

Breathe out for six.

Repeat.

In the midst of all of this, find your centre.

Do not lose *you*.

Remember your skills and tools.

Remember your goals and values.

Remember who you are.

Here is a breakdown:

Breathing Exercise:

The 4-4-6 breathing technique involves inhaling for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for six. This slow, rhythmic breathing can help calm the nervous system and bring focus to the present moment.

Finding Centre:

The prompt “find your centre” suggests a deliberate effort to connect with one’s inner core, even amidst external stressors.

Remembering Skills and Tools:

This encourages reflection on one’s strengths and resources, both tangible (tools) and intangible (skills), to draw upon them during challenging times.

Remembering Goals and Values:

Reflecting on one’s aspirations and core principles helps to maintain a sense of purpose and direction, especially when facing uncertainty.

Remembering Who You Are:

This reinforces the importance of self-identity and reminding oneself of one’s authentic self, even when confronted with adversity.

Please keep this in your reservoir and use it when needed. Share so others can also gain control.

Fellow Guyanese, if you are experiencing four or more of these symptoms, your body is telling you that you need to show up for yourself. You are cascading. Believe that you deserve more and behave like you deserve more. You are a gift. Life’s challenges have places, layers, and wrappings distorting your perception of who you are réclame it. It is time you address your mental health. Time for self-love and self-care. Live a free, abundant life.

---

---