Post-Hogwarts PTSD

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 11166

Naama:"However, I  still feel that Harry has, personally, gone through 
the worst thing he has and will experience. *Nothing* could be worse 
than that horrible spell. Seeing V. as the monstrous child, having his 
blood "taken forcibly", watching Wormtail cut off his own hand, and, 
horror of horrors - seeing V. rise again. And all the while - tied up, 
helpless, knowing that he is going to die by V. hands, the same 
person who muredered his parents, and be fed to his snake. Jeez. I 
shouldn't at all wonder if he will start getting flashbacks several 
years hence."

I think that what will save Harry this time is that he was able to do 
something about it.  He resisted Voldemort, and in a very real way he 
defeated him by keeping his life and getting away. He was even able to 
do something for Cedric by bringing his body back. Harry's suffering 
had a purpose, and I think that makes a critical difference.

There's a lot worse that can happen -- watching the people he loves 
die and suffer, especially if it's for nothing, or if Harry "fails" to 
save them.

I was a paramedic once in my misspent youth. I was never troubled 
long-term by cases where my skill and work were of some use. I even 
could deal with cases that no one could have helped. But when I felt I 
had been defeated, I was torn up.

I sorta wish we could get "PTSD" out of this discussion. They don't 
have the DSM at Hogwarts. We all agree Harry's going to go through 
hell.