What is patriarchal traumatic stress injury (PaTSI)? It is not yet an official diagnosis. It is a set of characteristics, symptoms, and related diagnoses common to people who have been abused, oppressed, repressed, and/or threatened by a patriarchal society. Years of living under such conditions results in what looks very much like complex PTSD but also has some specific characteristics. Symptoms include:

• Dissociation
• Lost or fragmented memories
• Exaggerated startle response
• Avoidance of triggers
• Flashbacks
• Repeating dangerous behaviors in an attempt to get a different outcome

The #MeToo Movement is a response to trauma many people have experienced around sexual harassment and sexual abuse. As people come forward to say “Yes, that happened to me too” there is more opportunity for healing these old wounds. A key part of a patriarchal society is keeping the status quo by sending the constant message to “be quiet.” Therapy for people experiencing PaTSI includes speaking the stories in a safe, supportive environment, many times for the first time. The next step is resolving the trauma through EMDR Therapy, somatic therapy,  and other healing practices. The goal isn’t necessarily to speak publicly, but rather to have that option if you decide you want/need to.