A Psychiatrist's New Year's Eve
- Jamie Sorenson
- Dec 31
- 3 min read
I was assaulted by a patient on New Year's Eve several years ago, an experience that has left an indelible mark on my life. I can laugh about this now, reflecting on how far I’ve come, but the truth is, I was profoundly shaken up after the incident. The emotional aftermath lingered for a long time, and I found myself grappling with a heightened startle reflex that still affects me to this day. Each year, as December 31 approaches, I can go through my daily routine without a thought of that traumatic event, but as the clock strikes 3 PM on that fateful day, memories flood back, and I am reminded of the fear and chaos I experienced. This phenomenon is known as an anniversary reaction, a common occurrence for those who have endured trauma or suffer from PTSD. It serves as a stark reminder of how deeply our minds can be impacted by distressing experiences.
In the immediate aftermath of the assault, I found myself struggling to cope.. It became clear to me that I needed to seek help and access support to navigate through the feelings of vulnerability and anxiety that had taken hold of me. Initially, I faced some challenges in finding the right therapist, as not every professional I encountered was a good fit. One lady had a massage table in her office and offered to massage me with crystals! I'm all about embracing the woo woo, but that was too much for me! However, after several attempts, I was fortunate enough to connect with a compassionate and skilled therapist who understood the complexities of trauma (and that the last thing I wanted was for anyone to touch me). We worked together for an extended period, and her guidance and support were instrumental in helping me process my feelings and regain a sense of control over my life. I am immensely grateful to her for the invaluable role she played in my healing journey, as she provided me with tools and strategies to manage my emotional responses and rebuild my resilience.
It is important to acknowledge that emergency room doctors and psychiatrists are among the healthcare professionals most likely to experience assaults in their line of work. The nature of their jobs often places them in high-stress situations where they must make quick decisions while dealing with patients who may be in crisis. Despite the known risks, many safety precautions that could help mitigate these dangers are not routinely implemented in healthcare settings. This oversight can lead to a reactive approach, where changes are only made after a serious incident occurs. However, it is crucial to adopt a proactive stance, anticipating potential problems and creating a safer environment for both staff and patients. By prioritizing safety measures and fostering a culture of awareness, healthcare institutions can help prevent future assaults and protect their dedicated professionals.
As I reflect on this experience, it was not the actual assault that was so detrimental. Before the event, I had told my manager the office they converted from a storage closet was not a safe place for me to interview patients. She did not listen and that was the location of the assault. Additionally, the response I received following the event was the most detrimental part of the experience. The administration's response was ambivalent, as if they only halfway believed me. I see this happen to women all the time, example: the Epstein files. Who needs them released? We have so many women consistently reporting terrible things that happened to them as children.
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Disclaimer: Posts are for education and entertainment only. No medical advice given. This information is for general knowledge and not meant to diagnose or treat any conditions.
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