PTSD

Discussion Post: Trauma, Suicide, and Cyberstalking

1) PTSD Diagnostic Criteria in Adults

Although PTSD is often used loosely in popular culture, the DSM-5 defines specific criteria for adults (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013):

• Exposure to a traumatic event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, either directly, witnessed, or indirectly.
• Intrusive symptoms such as recurrent memories, flashbacks, or distressing dreams related to the trauma.
• Avoidance behaviors, including avoiding reminders, thoughts, or places associated with the trauma.
• Negative alterations in cognition and mood, such as persistent negative beliefs, distorted blame, or emotional numbing.
• Marked changes in arousal and reactivity, including hypervigilance, irritability, sleep disturbances, or concentration problems.
• Duration and functional impact: Symptoms must last more than one month and cause significant impairment in daily life.

James and Gilliland (2017) emphasize that careful assessment is essential, as trauma reactions vary and not all distress following a traumatic event meets full PTSD criteria.

2) Suicide Clues and Warning Signs

James and Gilliland (2017) differentiate suicide clues from suicide warning signs:

• Suicide clues are subtle, indirect indicators such as talking about death, giving away possessions, or writing notes. They signal underlying distress but may not indicate immediate risk.
• Suicide warning signs are urgent indicators, including expressing a desire to die, hopelessness, preparing for death, or sudden mood changes.

All suicidal gestures should be taken seriously. Even behaviors that appear minor or attention-seeking indicate significant psychological pain (Shneidman, 1996). Crisis interventionists must respond promptly to assess lethality, provide support, and prevent escalation.

3) Cyberstalking and Its Impact

Cyberstalking is the use of electronic communicationsocial media, email, or text messagingto harass, intimidate, or threaten an individual. Victims may experience (James & Gilliland, 2017; Sheridan & Grant, 2007):

• Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, and fear for personal safety.
• Disruption of daily life: Avoiding online activity, altering routines, or social withdrawal.
• Long-term psychological impact: Persistent feelings of helplessness and decreased sense of control.

Crisis interventionists can help by validating the victims experiences, assisting with safety planning, connecting victims with legal and technological resources, and helping restore a sense of empowerment and control over their environment.

Biblical perspective: The Bible emphasizes caring for the vulnerable and oppressed: Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed (Psalm 82:3, New International Version). In crisis work, supporting victims of cyberstalking reflects this principle of protection and justice.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

James, R. K., & Gilliland, B. E. (2017). Crisis intervention strategies (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Shneidman, E. S. (1996). The suicidal mind. Oxford University Press.

Sheridan, L., & Grant, T. (2007). Is cyberstalking different? Psychology, Crime & Law, 13(6), 627640. https://doi.org/10.1080/10683160601053697

Psalm 82:3. (New International Version)