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2.1.4.4 Effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The effects of post traumatic stress disorder are usually categorized as intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal. Post traumatic stress disorder is
categorized as intrusion when the symptoms appear suddenly and happen when memories of a past traumatic incident comes back as flashback in the sufferer’s
mind. These flashbacks can be induced by a variety of triggers such as smell, sight, or sound. Then, post traumatic stress disorder is categorized as avoidance
when a sufferer consciously or unconsciously tries to prevent remembering anything related to the traumatic experience. This may involve avoiding those
who are close to him or her, or those he or she works with, etc. All these effects lead to extreme depression which is very difficult to cope with. Post traumatic
stress disorder is categorized as hyperarousal when the symptoms are the result of nerves and hormones. Sufferers could experience insomnia. During this phase
sufferers will have very poor concentration and will get irritated easily Mathias.
2.1.4.5 Coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder PTSD rarely disappear completely. Coping with PTSD symptoms and the problems usually are sufferers’
challenge. Recovery from PTSD is a gradual process. It does not happen in an instant. Here healing does not mean forgetting the traumatic experiences when
remembering them. At least by healing, the sufferer is able to manage and cope with the effects of trauma.
Ruzek in his article Coping with PTSD and Recommended Lifestyle Changes for PTSD Patients states that there are two actions in coping with PTSD.
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19 The first one is positive coping actions. These actions help to reduce
anxiety and distressing reactions. These actions also improve the situation which makes the sufferer more comfortable. Positive coping actions can include seven
ways Ruzek. The first way is learning about trauma and PTSD. It is useful for sufferers
to learn more about PTSD and how it affects them. By learning and finding that PTSD is experienced by many sufferers, they can realize that they are not alone,
not weak, and not crazy Ruzek. The second way is talking to another person for support. When sufferers
are able to talk about their problems to others, sometimes it is very helpful. With support from others the sufferers may not feel alone, but feel supported or
understood, and receive concrete help from others. The sufferers must choose their supporting person carefully and clearly ask for the support person they need.
One of the places to find some support is in groups; a group which consists of survivors of trauma with PTSD. Being in a group with other sufferers may help
them to reduce the sense of isolation, rebuild trust in others, and provide an important opportunity for the sufferers to make a contribution to other sufferers’
recovery Ruzek. The third way is talking to a doctor about trauma and PTSD. The doctor
can take better care of sufferers’ physical health if the doctor knows about their PTSD. Often, the doctor suggests that sufferers go to more specialized and expert
help Ruzek.
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20 The fourth way is practicing relaxation methods. These methods can
include muscular relaxation exercises, breathing exercise, meditation, swimming, stretching, yoga, prayer, listening to quiet music, and spending time in nature.
Even though these relaxation techniques can be helpful, they can sometimes increase distress by focusing attention on disturbing physical sensations. Here, the
physical sensations may become more apparent when a person is relaxed. Listening to music, walking around, and doing other activities are good ways in
reducing negative reactions to internal thoughts, feelings, or perceptions Ruzek. The fifth way is increasing positive distracting activities. Positive
recreational activities help distract sufferers from their memories and reactions. One way which is used by many sufferers is doing artistic endeavors, for example
drawing. This method can express their feelings in a positive and creative way. It is also can improve sufferers’ mood, limit the harm caused by PTSD, and help
rebuild their lives Ruzek. The sixth way is calling a counselor for help. Sometimes, the healing does
not work too well. The sufferers may feel depressed or fearful. At these times, it is important to call a counselor who can help them Ruzek.
The seventh way is taking prescribed medications to tackle PTSD. One thing that sufferers find helpful is medication from their doctor. By taking
medication, sufferers are able to improve their sleep, anxiety, irritability, anger, urges to drink or use drugs Ruzek.
In addition to positive coping actions are negative coping actions. These actions help the sufferers to reduce distress immediately and in a permanent way.
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21 These actions may be immediately effective but later these can cause sufferers to
become addicted, like smoking or drug use. These habits can become difficult to change. Negative coping actions can include four ways.
The first way is the use of alcohol or drugs. This may help wash away bad memories, increase social confidence, or cause sleep. However it causes more
problems, for example, creating dependence on alcohol, causing problems in relationship with family and friends, and sometimes placing a sufferer at risk of
suicide, violence, or accidents Ruzek. The second way is social isolation. By reducing contact with the outside
world, a sufferer may avoid many situations that cause him or her to feel afraid, irritable, or angry. However, isolation will also cause major problems. It will
result in loss of social friendships, and intimacy. It may produce further depression and fear Ruzek.
The third way is anger. Like isolation, anger gets rid of many upsetting situations by keeping people away. However, it also keeps away positive
connections and help. It may lead to job problems, marital or relationship problems, and loss of friendships Ruzek.
The last way is continuous avoidance. Avoidance of the trauma or seeking counseling keeps away distress but prevents progress on coping with trauma.
Avoidance can prevent people from seeking help with their problems Ruzek.
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2.2 Theoretical Framework
In order to answer the formulated problems, I apply some theories and an approach in this study. First, the theory of critical approach is used to analyze the
problem. There are five approaches and the emphasis of the approach used is the psychological approach.
In analyzing the character, I apply the theory of character and characterization. This used to get a deeper understanding of literary works. The
nine methods of characterization proposed by Murphy are also used to look for
some of Gayle’s characterization.
In analyzing Gayle’s past traumatic experience and post traumatic stress disorder which are described in the novel, I employ the theory of Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder proposed by Bloom, Mathias, Ruzek, Wilson, Nathan, O’Leary, and Clark. These theories include the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder,
causes of post traumatic stress disorder, and effects of post traumatic stress disorder
In analyzing the ways Gayle copes with her post traumatic stress disorder, I also use the theory of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder proposed by Ruzek. This
theory includes the ways of coping with post traumatic stress disorder. I also use the psychological approach to analyze the novel from a psychological perspective.
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