Lieutenant Commander Malstrom From The Media LTC Malstrom Is ✓ Solved
Lieutenant Commander Malstrom From The Media LTC Malstrom Is Displ
Lieutenant Commander Malstrom from the media is displaying physical symptoms of PTSD such as problems with his speech and remembering simple words. He is also feeling numb or non-empathetic towards others when he should. The example he gave was when one of his assistant’s son was brutally murdered on his doorstep in front of his daughter; all he could think was “it’s just one person, have the funeral and get back to work” (Laureate Education, 2014g). LTC Malstrom is becoming agitated and upset more easily over small things, which is causing difficulties in his family life, to the point where his wife threatened to leave him if he did not seek help.
In the media, LTC Malstrom points out multiple PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks, intrusive memories, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and irritability (Laureate Education, 2014). These PTSD symptoms have led to a lack of empathy, and he has mentioned that CPR dummies remind him of lost soldiers, while seeing dead animals alongside the road triggers him (Laureate Education, 2014).
A lack of empathy in his line of work can be detrimental, and it can also indicate a form of numbing. One effective way to support LTC Malstrom would be through supervision. Strong clinical supervision can foster a professional's development, instilling and developing the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes while safeguarding client welfare and promoting ethical practice (Johnson, Johnson, & Landsing, 2018).
Although LTC Malstrom is not a trainee, he could benefit from supervision as a mental health care provider (MHP) to ensure that he can still support the soldiers who rely on him while dealing with his own trauma. This supervision can help mitigate secondary trauma and provide a therapeutic benefit, allowing him to interact with a professional who understands the traumas he faces and offering him a safe emotional space.
Another supportive measure would be for LTC Malstrom to participate in group therapy. Engaging with others who have shared similar experiences can provide a platform for him to express his concerns and address the traumas he has encountered. It fosters connection and understanding among participants, which can be incredibly healing.
Additionally, recommending LTC Malstrom partake in a therapeutic hobby that he enjoys can significantly relieve stress in a healthy manner, while also serving as a distraction from the traumatic experiences he faces. Hobbies and interests play a critical role in mental health, providing a necessary outlet for emotions and stress relief.
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The experience of trauma, especially in high-stress professions such as those in the military, can have profound implications on an individual’s mental health and professional capability. As illustrated by Lieutenant Commander Malstrom's case, symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can manifest in various ways, significantly affecting not only the individual's life but also the lives of those around them.
Understanding PTSD is crucial for developing effective interventions. According to the American Psychiatric Association (2013), PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance of trauma reminders, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and heightened arousal and reactivity. For LTC Malstrom, these symptoms are evident; he experiences flashbacks and intrusive memories linked to traumatic events, leading to difficulties in emotional engagement and social interactions.
Empathy is a vital aspect of effective leadership and caregiving, especially in a military context where individuals rely on one another for support. LTC Malstrom's numbness towards others and it’s just one person’ thought process when confronted with personal tragedy reflects a deeper struggle with emotional regulation. Addressing this symptom is essential for both his well-being and the morale of those he leads.
Supervision can play a transformative role in LTC Malstrom's recovery. Notably, clinical supervision fosters an environment where mental health professionals can explore their experiences and emotions related to their work. As suggested by Johnson, Johnson, and Landsing (2018), supervision can provide not only accountability but also an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Given that LTC Malstrom has been exposed to numerous traumatic experiences, having a safe space to discuss these events can enhance his ability to process his trauma effectively.
Moreover, group therapy is another beneficial avenue for LTC Malstrom to explore. Group therapy allows individuals to share experiences and connect with peers who understand their struggles. According to Yalom (2005), the therapeutic factors in group therapy, such as universality and altruism, can significantly impact participants by fostering a sense of community and shared understanding. By participating in group sessions, LTC Malstrom can openly express his fears, frustrations, and experiences with those who can relate, potentially alleviating his sense of isolation.
Participating in therapeutic hobbies can also provide LTC Malstrom with a constructive outlet for his stress and emotions. Engaging in leisure activities can counteract the negative effects of stress. Research indicates that hobbies can enhance one's mood, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of achievement (Stebbins, 2007). Whether it is painting, gardening, or any constructive pastime, hobbies can serve as a buffer against stress and facilitate relaxation and joy.
It is essential to provide LTC Malstrom with a multifaceted support system. This system should incorporate supervision, group therapy, and engagement in hobbies, creating a comprehensive approach that addresses both his mental health needs and professional responsibilities. The integration of these methods will not only support LTC Malstrom in grappling with his PTSD but also enable him to continue offering support to the soldiers under his command.
In conclusion, PTSD is a significant concern that can impact individuals in high-stress professions, as evidenced by LTC Malstrom's case. Addressing such issues through supervision, group therapy, and engaging therapeutic hobbies can contribute to healing and recovery. Furthermore, promoting mental health awareness and resources within military settings can lead to more effective support systems for those who serve.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
- Johnson, K., Johnson, H. K., & Landsing, S. D. (2018). Clinical supervision: A systems approach to promoting ethical practice. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 40(2), 111-122.
- Laureate Education. (2014g). Understanding PTSD: The Case of LTC Malstrom. Retrieved from [Url]
- Stebbins, R. A. (2007). Serious leisure: A perspective for our time. Transaction Publishers.
- Yalom, I. D. (2005). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. New York: Basic Books.
- Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence - from domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.
- Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.
- Brady, K. T., & Killeen, T. K. (2009). The impact of trauma on substance use disorders. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 1(1), 127-132.
- American Psychological Association. (2018). Guidelines for the treatment of PTSD. Retrieved from [Url]
- Rosen, L. N., & Kearney, R. (2008). The psychological effects of combat trauma on enlisted personnel. Military Medicine, 173(11), 1039-1046.