Anna’s parents feel horrified, confused and guilty. What made their beautiful daughter do this to herself? Was it something they had done wrong? Were they to blame for not being more observant? Perhaps they hadn’t told her enough how much they loved and cared for her. They have no idea what to do next. The doctor in the emergency room has suggested a psychiatric assessment but even this makes them feel bewildered and afraid… they really don’t want Anna to get a label for being “crazy.”

Many people who suffer emotional and/ or physical trauma as children can develop “maladaptive” coping mechanisms in their daily activities. These kinds of trauma may not always be obvious, but may result from birth trauma, attachment difficulties, prolonged separations from caregivers and an array of physically or emotionally challenging situations during which the children involved perceive the environment as threatening and unsafe. Children who feel under threat react in an instinctual manner which is geared towards survival. This activates the flight/ fight response in the child’s brain and body.

In the absence of supportive or corrective experiences to the contrary, flight/ fight mode becomes the default setting for these children in response to every challenge that they face. Even seemingly small or insignificant triggers can provoke a massive surge of adrenalin in someone with these default coping mechanisms, which can make them appear irritable, moody, unstable or apathetic. A lack of awareness surrounding the underlying problems often results in people with these coping mechanisms feeling misunderstood and hurting themselves in order to try and deal with the mental anguish they feel. They frequently do harm to themselves by inflicting injuries, taking drugs or using food to try and gain control of the situation. The most common diagnosis given in these situations is one of Borderline Personality Disorder, but a multitude of anxiety disorders and impulsive behaviours can also result from circumstances such as the ones described above.

People who have Anxiety Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder and many other similar disorders are often extremely sensitive, kind and caring people, who are able to understand others very well. They can do well in caring roles and in acting or entertainment.

Some famous people who have experienced these kinds of difficulties include: Princess Diana; Angelina Jolie; Marylin Monroe and Pete Doherty. With the appropriate care and management people with such difficulties can be incredible.