M.L. Lewis
During the zombie apocalypse, we will all experience some form of trauma. It is a fact that everyone in the country will lose a loved one to a bite and we’ll be forced to put them down. This alone can take a toll on your mental health. Nothing hurts more that. Currently, 26% of the adult population in the US will suffer from at least one disorder this year. This number could go up as a result of self-isolation due to COVID-19. These disorders I feel would be the most prevalent in the zombie apocalypse. Top Five Psychological Disorders That’ll Occur During A Zombie Apocalypse:
5. PTSD
This will be the number one problem in a post-zombie world. At some point will be forced to kill a loved one, and that will take a lot out of you. 7.8 million people will experience PTSD at least once in your life. There are 5 main types of PTSD that range from manageable to severe. Common symptoms are reoccurring nightmares, Sleeplessness, anger/irritability, and hyperarousal (feeling jumpy). Current treatments are regular meetings with a psychologist and taking anti-depressants like Paroxetine.
4. Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment Disorder is a person’s inability to cope with stressful situations. There are six types of adjustment disorders, that each focused on a different set of clinical symptoms. These can include depression, loss of self-esteem, and lack of motivation. Usually, adjustment disorder is brought on by a specific triggering event like a crash or other traumatic event. It is recommended that those suffering from this participate in some form of group therapy and take prescribe anti-anxiety drugs like Clonazepam.
3. Depression
Currently, this is one of the most common psychological disorders in the country. It is believed that 19 million Americans have been diagnosed with a major form of depression. Depression can become a life-threatening condition should the sufferer experience self-harming and suicidal thoughts. Common symptoms are feeling worthless, hopelessness, irritability, loss of interest in hobbies, and changes in sleep. There is a lot of help out there for sufferers of depression. There is the NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) hotline at 1-800-950-6264 if you wish to consult your problems within the comfort of your own home.
2. Anxiety Disorders
Is the sudden feeling of panic and fear. It is not as common as what is listed above, but we as a society have never experienced trauma at such a high level as we would experience, during the zombie apocalypse. The most common accurate of an anxiety disorder is a deeply traumatic event. Symptoms are restlessness, nausea, sleeplessness, and numbness in the hands or feet. The NAMI hotline can help you with this as well, their number is 1-800-950-6264. Also, eating a balanced diet while taking a Benzodiazepine like Alprazolam has been proven helpful.
1. Emotional Shock
This would usually occur with the first month of the zombie uprising. This occurs when the body becomes emotionally overwhelmed with strong emotions. This is a common response in a highly stressful situation. How much you’re affected by this depends on how much of the traumatic event you’re exposed to. This is why it greatly affects your fight or flight responses in your brain. It can lead to a feeling of jitteriness, inability to think straight, hyperventilating, and intense anger.
