Monday, April 11, 2011

Acute stress disorder

From Wikipedia: Common symptoms that sufferers of acute stress disorder experience are: numbing; detachment; derealization; depersonalization or dissociative amnesia; continued re-experiencing of the event by such ways as thoughts, dreams, and flashbacks; and avoidance of any stimulation that reminds them of the event. During this time, they must have symptoms of anxiety, and significant impairment in at least one essential area of functioning. Symptoms last for a minimum of 2 days, and a maximum of 4 weeks, and occur within 4 weeks of the event. Anxiety, yes. Does not being able to pat my girl to sleep considered as impairment in one essential area of functioning? It's been ~2 months since the disturbing incident. I get better with each new day. Whenever I pass by that spot, I would 'force' myself to look at the shrub where she landed on. Pastor assured me that what I am going through is a normal human reaction to shock (or trauma). Only time can help me recover and it's too early it's something of a supernatural influence. I didn't dare to step into my own bedroom, imagining there might be a female shadow lurking at the corner or stand waiting at the corridor for too long for fear of something flying down. Haha. I am so much better these days, more at peace with my environment. But I won't forget Feb 17 2011, 'chap gor meh'.