Forum

Traumas come in many shapes and sizes, but have the most devastating effects on our lives. Trauma can be caused by a number of experiences, but the most common are; Sexual Abuse Physical Abuse Severe Physical Illness (including more recently COVID-19 Exposure to combat and war zones Seeing death or dead bodies, including while at work Unexpected death of a loved one Natural disasters Arson or house fires Torture Domestic violence Witnessing or experiencing violence, such as a homicide or suicide Terrorism or mass violence. Trauma sufferers have 3 common responses, firstly we can acknowledge that the trauma has occurred and not have any much if any reaction to the trauma, as long as the trauma does not involve sexual or physical abuse. Secondly, some can have a natural resillience or natural recovery to trauma, many have symptoms of PTSD, for a few weeks following the trauma, and is most commonly seen in sexual abuse. Lastly, clients have recurrent difficulties dealing with the issues of the trauma, and do not resolve on their own, PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is also a possible outcome when this happens. We would appreciate people sharing their experiences with Traumas, and how they have managed their situation.

This poor boys mother is being heavily criticised for her continued demanding of a public enquiry into the care and treatment of her son whilst in hospital, and then having to fight a court battle over the best interest of her son. Grief is a horrible but necessary emotion for everyone to go through after loosing a loved one, all we want is that person back with us, and to blame everyone else for their death, due to her displaced anger, and guilt if rumours are to be believed. Many rumours have circulated about the circumstances of Archies eventual death, from trying to commit suicide, participating in a online game, and being left alone by his mother, for him to try again and this time succeed in taking his life. For me there are a few things that stick out to me. I understand that mum is really upset, and angry that she had to go to court to fight for the best interest of her child. No one wants to believe that their child has harmed themselves to such a degree that they end up "Brain Dead", meaning that he has suffered such a catastrophic injury that there was no chance of him successfully leading a normal life,. he would of needed constant care, ventilation to help him breath, with his major organs deteriorating all of the time. The staff caring for Archie can not and do not make these decisions alone or easily. Many hours of meetings will have been held with all disciplines to discuss and make a multi-professional decision which is placed in front of the courts. No one person is responsible for the decision but a group of multi-professionals. With that being said Archies mum feels angry at her sons court ordered death, and displacing that towards the very people who cared for Archie and who provided emotional support for his family during his treatment. Understandably, the family felt that they had Archies interest at heart, but failed to recognise that the Medical staff have a legal obligation to act in the interest of the Archie. Anger as part of grief, is a common feature, anger at the person that died, anger with out selves, and anger with organisations that provide care services. I am sure that Archies mum has so much anger and frustration inside her, in is continually reflecting on her own actions, and how if in anyway she contributed to his eventual death, by her actions or in action. My whole hearted sympathies are with Archies family, along with my understand of of where Mum is within the grief process which is very very early, however, if Archies death was caused by an online challenge of "Blackout" then maybe we should all be campaigning for Social media to control the content on their sites, particularly those posts promoting self harm and suicide.

My heart felt sympathy goes our to all of the Royal family, and the people of the United Kingdom, as Queen Elizabeth was the most stabilising person of the Countries. Watching the procession going to Westminster Hall its made me reflect on Princess Diana's Funeral. The prince of Wales (William) and Prince Harry have yet again had to endure this long lonely walk behind a funeral procession. I wonder how much this occasion brings back the overwhelming thoughts and feelings that those boy have had to face since her death. These two men have braved military life, war zones, and the continued grief of loosing their mother in such tragic circumstance, and now the death of their beloved Grandma must resurrect the overwhelming feelings of grief they felt so many years ago. Watching Prince Harry walk behind the gun carriage with the late queen resting on it, not wearing his uniform that he was so proud of, only having to bow his head to the Cenotaph rather than paying his respects with a salute. All of this he has had to endure because of the love of a woman. a woman who was brave enough to admit to having mental health issues due to the stress and possibly other undisclosed problems. Harry has acknowledged and sort counsel for his own mental health issues. The royal family aren't allowed to have personal grief, and must always show that truly British "Stiff upper Lip", however they are entitled to their own space for the loss of the family matriarch, counsellor, mother, and grand mother. May the Queen Rest in eternal Peace, and that Princes William and Harry fine peace of mind for what I can only assume is another difficult and and stressful time.