Survivor syndrome

The survivor syndrome is characterized by the oppressive emotional stress that occurs in people who have survived a catastrophe and is felt in the form of shame, guilt and regret for the fact that the survivor gets the opportunity to exist, while others at this time are in danger or die. The greatest stress in this case is associated with the loss of loved ones or the observation of their suffering from the outside.

This condition is a form of post-traumatic disorder, today it is experienced by Ukrainians in the occupied territories or military refugees. Survivor syndrome is often diagnosed in the military, rescuers, doctors, as well as in survivors of captivity.

The syndrome is described as a diagnosis and is included in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", which speaks of its severity and prevalence.

The syndrome manifests itself through depression, apathy and anxiety, which cause psychosomatic illnesses, insomnia, impaired intelligence, mood swings and social elimination.

What to do with survivor syndrome?

Since the syndrome destroys the personality and leads to catastrophic consequences, you need to look for ways to heal.

1. To remove self-blame, realize that the causes of the syndrome are external.
2. Instead of suppressing emotions, allow yourself to both be sad and be happy.
3. Doing something for others is easier to survive the trauma.
4. Communicating with people who have similar experiences reduces feelings of loneliness and abandonment, and also allows you to share information on how to overcome the problem. To survive the syndrome will help classes in support groups.

It is important not to close in on yourself, but to realize the nature of your condition, to work out the problem with a specialist or independently. The treatment will return the quality of life, fill it with new meaning.