He stared at her belt buckle.
“I’d love for you to stay tonight. We could just grab a pizza and hang out.”
“Thanks, but I could use some time alone to clear my head. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Before he left, he gave her a peck on the cheek. Emily didn’t think any kiss had ever felt so cold.
Once he was gone, her tiny condo struck her as cavernous, hollow. Emily turned on the radio, filling the space with the sounds of her favorite band Blue Rodeo, just so she wouldn’t feel alone. Firing up her laptop, she carried the computer to the kitchen table. After making herself a cup of blueberry tea, she sat and began typing a variety of keywords into the search engine.
PTSD. Victims. How to help?
A number of articles filled her screen and she began clicking through them. One, in particular, caught her attention.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness. Victims may have been exposed to trauma involving death or the threat of death, sexual violence, or injury. The trauma often comes as a surprise and can leave victims with a sense of powerlessness. Many assume PTSD to be connected with military personnel, as a result of living through war or conflict. However, victims of crimes, natural disasters, or accidents can also suffer from the condition. Even those who witness tragedies are known to sometimes suffer from PTSD.
PTSD can cause symptoms such as nightmares and flashbacks. Those living with the condition may often avoid events or things that remind them of the tragedy.
Those with PTSD endure a variety of effects. They may have trouble concentrating or may feel nervous. They might be moody or experience sleep deprivation. They may often worry something bad is going to occur, even if there is no need for such concern.
Many victims experience guilt or shame. They may struggle with the idea they should be able to “get over it.” Victims may have difficulty discussing their fears with others. Some may even feel they inadvertently caused the trauma. Anyone sufferingfrom PTSD should seek professional help.
Emily consulted a few more articles, making sure to check resources such as medical journals and websites from mental health organizations. They all detailed more or less the symptoms Michael was experiencing.
He needed help.
She’d get it for him.
He might think she was interfering. Hell, he might very well hate her by the time she was done, but her bruised feelings weren’t as important as his peace of mind. He deserved serenity and freedom, and she would do everything in her power to ensure he was never scared to face his past again.
Emily picked up her phone and dialed her brother Chris’s cellphone. “Hey. I have a question for you. Are you still dating that psychologist?”
