Search for a command to run...
Purpose This paper aims to highlight how humans’ instinctive survival response can be maladaptive when relative to trauma and the subsequent effects on mental health. Design/methodology/approach The author provides an autoethnographic account of their disorder development following a traumatic experience during childhood, the subsequent challenges faced and their current state of mental health as a young adult. Findings In this instance, the human body’s instinctive survival response and the bottling up of emotions led to disorder development and the inadequate processing of traumatic memories. Such outcome came with many challenges, such as stigma and discrimination from society and healthcare professionals, as well as additional effects on mental health. Some of these challenges persist into adulthood. The story discusses the dangers of our innate defence mechanism, of holding in emotions and of the stigmatisation surrounding mental health. Research limitations/implications This is of course the story of just one individual, yet it will resonate with the many people who have a mental disorder or who have experienced trauma. With life becoming increasingly stressful and rates of trauma among young people high, the link between the body’s natural freeze survival response and disorder development should be explored in greater depth. Practical implications Improved knowledge and understanding is needed among UK professionals in relation to non-epileptic attack disorder, to support effective recovery and prevent additional mental health challenges. Greater awareness and acknowledgement of the condition could also save NHS resources, as individuals could be efficiently diagnosed and referred for effective treatment. Social implications The unrelenting stigma associated with mental disorders calls for greater understanding and awareness among society and health care professionals, to encourage struggling individuals to seek help and to improve the access to effective, early intervention, especially for traumatised individuals. Breaking down the stigma could improve the outcomes of those with mental disorders, importantly for this case, those with non-epileptic attack disorder. Originality/value This paper highlights the mental health and social challenges following a traumatic event. While a unique story of one individual, this account may be relatable for many who have experienced trauma or have struggled with their own mental health.