YOU (South Africa)

Ask Dr Louise

- Write to Dr Louise, PO Box 39410, Moreletapa­rk 0044, or email info@drlouise.co.za.

I was hijacked four months ago. The hijackers took my car and got away with my cellphone, handbag and some cash that was in the car – but luckily left me on the side of the road. At the time I was so thankful I’d survived that I felt good. My car was insured, the handbag was an old one and so the only problem I had was cancelling all my bank cards and getting a new driver’s licence.

At the time I patted myself on the back for surviving the ordeal with so few psychologi­cal consequenc­es. But a week ago I started having nightmares and couldn’t stop crying. I feel as if life has no meaning and I’ve lost interest in things I used to enjoy. I keep having flashbacks to the hijacking and even get the smell of the man who was obviously the team leader.

What’s going on? And why is this happening now when I’ve been fine all along? Tandiwe, email Many people who experience something traumatic feel fine immediatel­y afterwards – they’re happy to be alive and don’t feel any psychologi­cal backlash. The problem is that the emotional and psychologi­cal reaction to the trauma is often delayed and therefore felt only later.

The symptoms you describe are typical of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a life-threatenin­g event. You need to consult with a psychologi­st who can help you work through your emotions and your feelings of fear, anger, anxiety and depression.

You might also benefit from seeing a psychiatri­st who can prescribe medication for the depression and anxiety you’re experienci­ng now. These are both common in PTSD.

It’s important to get therapy after experienci­ng a life-threatenin­g event, even if you feel fine immediatel­y afterwards, as it will undoubtedl­y have an impact on you – even if you don’t feel it at the time.

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