I have a friend who was held up at gun-point a few months ago, and has nightmares.What can she do to get help?

Answer 1

Help her find a good counselor with experience in treating PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. They used to call this "shell shock" but it can be caused by many types of trauma.
I have found that telling yourself - I'm here - I'm ok - I'm not in danger - helps difuse the most panicky and anxiety producing parts. If she has nightmares and trouble sleeping have her try getting in plenty of exercise - it will help both make her feel better by controlling and releasing the anxious energy and by tiring herself out so she can sleep without getting the nightmares.
Mostly as she feels safer it will disipate in time but can return when triggers happen - loud noises, people argueing, perhaps the sight of certain things - violent movies - can trigger anxiety.
Mostly knowing that it is normal will help difuse it.
PTSD is sort of a gift - it is natures way of gearing you up so you are ready for danger and ready to survive it.
If she thinks of it as a survival mechanism it may help her feel like less of a victim.
Self defense training or a group where she can talk to other women can be helpful too.
I definitely would NOT recommend any drugs for it - the symptoms will subside over time and most drugs to treat mental health problems have really nasty side effects.

Answer 2

She may have or be developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She should see a Master's level therapist (licensed professional counselor or social worker). Psychologists can help too, but they are more expensive and aren't any better at doing therapy.

She can ask about sliding scale fees if income is a challenge. It is okay to shop around a little. Encourage her not to give up if the first one or two therapists aren't a fit. Often they will be, but if not she will find one that fits her needs if she persists.

Answer 3

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a term for certain severe psychological consequences of exposure to, or confrontation with, stressful events that the person experiences as highly traumatic. I think this might be her problem. Symptoms can include general restlessness, insomnia, aggressiveness, depression, dissociation, emotional detachment, and nightmares. There is a treatment therapy also medicine. A Vietnam war veteran had this he has been treated and is fine. Good luck!

Answer 4

Sounds like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Its common when people have traumatic things happen. It explains it here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PTSD
You should have your friend consult a therapist to talk about what they are feeling. Possibly a psychiatrist depending on how severe. Good luck

Answer 5

She needs to have a lot of support. She should seek counseling immediately.
I was attacked by a male behind my house when I was 16 yrs old one nite late after working an evening job. They never found out who the attacker was and It was horrifying> My parents never did anything for me. Years have gone by and now I realize they should have arranged for some type of counseling for me

Answer 6

Your friend seems to be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Have her family physican refer her to a therapist, or find someone who will be able to tell your the best therapist for her to go to.

Answer 7

watch rated G movies like da ones that were made in 1990 like the land before time :D

thats what i do when im feeling scarred for life

Answer 8

She needs to talk with a Dr , & a counselor. They might give her something to help her sleep, & talking about it can help her get past what happened.

Answer 9

see a therapist. thats the only thing i could think of
to try and get her in her right state of mind.

Answer 10

she need to move out of that damn town for while.