Avatar Posted by rom 27 days ago (Question)
Hello everybody
Im very thankful ive found your site.I belong to underpriviledged family of rural communities. I cant afford a high rate of psychiatrist professional fee in curing my ailment. However,
I have a question to our friends…and this is my traumatic experience 8 years ago now. Im a member of a camp group in a woods here . Three of my friends encounter a cobra poisonous snake and they killed it by snapping using a branch of tree. I wanted to make an artwork a kind of taxidermy…I carry the dead body of snake and wash its body. While im washing the head part of the snake…I accidentally put one of my finger in the mouth and the fang of the snake prick into one of my finger. I felt extreme fear and ask a friend to accompany me to the local herbalist and a mountain sacred shaman. He then used little bamboo shoots dip into hot water…using a blade cut my skin affected by the poison of snake then the bamboo shoots after dipping to hot water sucks blood in my cut skin and eliminates the blood with poison of snake …I received almost 40 skin cuts since the poison is ascending after the sacred shaman declares finally the poison of snake was finally eliminated.
Since it happened…im still up to this day haunted by the trauma ive experienced…I develop extreme depression and suicidal thoughts…I used to enjoy camp in the wilderness..almost 8 years now .But now its gone. im frightened to go to wilderness now…each time I walk in a road with grasslands…im attacked by extreme fear thinking that there were presence of poisonous snakes in the road…even water hose I used to think it was a snake…im always checking my surroundings in our home see to it that there were no poisonous snakes there.
what do you think did happen to my thinking? I read an article in psychiatry explaining that a traumatic experience can cause chemical imbalance in the brain resulting to extreme fear and could develop anxiety disorder and possibly lead to schizophrenia? Is there a strong basis to this psychiatric research?
I wanted to be healed to the trauma happened to me 8 years ago…I hope our friends in this site would lead me to cure?
I look forward for your reply …Send my regards to everybody in your area…God will bless you all in your advocacy of helping people through your work in the psychiatry central.
Very truly yours,
Rom




Answers

Written by unsure0fmyself 26 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

What you are experiencing is a phobia. It will not result in schizophrenia, so you don't have to worry about that. :)

I would suggest practicing relaxation techniques. Listening to meditation CDs, deep breathing, etc. That always helps me when I have anxiety.

I'm not a professional, but I understand how it feels to be constantly worried about something. Try to surround yourself with people who will understand and support you. People who can help you not be afraid anymore. Good luck to you!

Written by Chemar 26 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Hi Rom

it could also be that the scary experience has caused a form of Post Traumatic Shock Disorder (PTSD) but honestly only a one on one visit to a psychologist would be able to actually diagnose what you are suffering with. I know you said this is not possible financially, so perhaps you can try to go to your county mental health department? that is if this is affecting your life where you arent able to function normally

otherwise, yes, doing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and positive affirmation/meditation often does help people

you may also want to consider becoming part of the online support groups offered here. If you look at the very top left of the page you will see a button for "Community" and that will open the PC forums up for you. There are a number of different forums there that may be helpful to you, with many caring members who will support you

hope that helps a bit

Written by bellacutie 26 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Hi Rom,

I'm wondering if you would mind sharing what country you're from?? You should also know we're not doctors or therapists -just people who want to comfort and give advice. I'm also a but puzzled because I don't think a dead snake could inject venom. I think you also didn't receive the correct medical treatment - I think the treatment you received from the 'shaman' may have contributed to the trauma you feel now - it sounded very excessive(40 skin cuts)

Fear of snakes is a very common fear shared by many poeple. I don't think you were afraid before this happened otherwise you wouldn't have touched it before. I think it normal to be scared of poisoness snakes but not non-poisonesss ones. Usually with fears like that you would need to consult a therapist who would gradually desensitize you from your fear of snakes. I think most of the fear you're experiencing is due to the traumatic way you were treated. You can also do deep breathing exercises which will help calm your mind. I think it's reasonable to be slightly cautious if you're walking in wooded areas - so it would be wise to walk with a buddy and carry a stick. I don't advise you to seek treatment from non- professionals like the shaman again. Best of luck,

Bella

Written by Clyde 25 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Hi Rom,

It definitely sounds like it brought up a traumatic issue that keeps coming back in your mind.

Fear of snakes is a common thing, believe it or not. Is there any possible chance you cuold meet with a therapist to discuss this?

The breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can work as well.

Best,

Clyde


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