Donald Trump’s minor injury could mask far greater mental damage from the shooting, an expert has said.
Simon McCarthy-Jones, professor of clinical psychology at Trinity College Dublin, said the potential impact on the mind of Trump, who is set to become US president in November, cannot be ignored.
Tens of thousands of Americans suffer nonfatal gunshot wounds each year, and studies have shown that the trauma can cause lasting damage, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression.
“These experiences can shatter people’s sense of living in a safe, understandable and controllable world, and leave them feeling unworthy, unsafe and insecure,” Professor McCarthy-Jones said.
Donald Trump’s right ear was grazed by a bullet fired by Thomas Matthew Crooks during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
Trump emerged from the shooting raising his fist and chanting “fight, fight, fight.”
Images of Trump’s miraculous survival after the shooting have become iconic.
“People may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares. They may also experience palpitations, sweating, or shortness of breath when recalling the event.”
He said The conversation that those with PTSD may try to avoid reminders of the event, lose interest in activities, and feel numb, irritable, and nervous.
They may be constantly on the lookout for threats, have difficulty concentrating, have angry outbursts and experience overwhelming emotions, she added.
The problem may be worse for Trump because he is known for his irascible character, so he may be unable to understand or control his emotions.
In fact, people’s personality types can influence how they respond to a traumatic event like a gunshot wound.
Extroverts may experience less stress and fewer PTSD symptoms.
However, those with “low agreeableness, low conscientiousness, and low emotional stability” may suffer from more severe forms of the condition.
Professor McCarthy-Jones said those with high levels of narcissism, which Trump has been accused of exhibiting, may end up reacting to even minor threats with disproportionate aggression.
However, others may experience “post-traumatic growth.”
Former President Ronald Reagan proved to be more empathetic and humble after being shot in 1981.
He believed that God had forgiven him for a reason, which prompted him to reduce nuclear tensions with the Soviet Union.
“How a person makes sense of their trauma can be crucial to its consequences,” said Professor McCarthy-Jones. “Feeling shame or anger towards others after experiencing a violent crime is associated with a higher likelihood of developing PTSD.”
‘If the person can understand why the event occurred or can take something positive from it, better outcomes can be expected.’
He said social support from family, friends and colleagues could be “vital” to Trump’s recovery.
It will be important for you to feel a sense of security and belonging that will help you understand events and discourage “risky behaviors.”
Aside from Trump himself, those around him at the Pennsylvania rally when a gunman shot him on Saturday should be on the lookout for symptoms of trauma.
Even members of the public who watched the incident live on television could be at risk.
Professor McCarthy-Jones said more attention should be paid to the potential harm caused by trauma, such as that suffered by Trump.
She said: “Recent events offer Trump an opportunity to positively push for such change. He could help destigmatise the difficulties experienced by many trauma survivors. This could include breaking the myth that seeking support and help is a sign of weakness.
‘As the world watches, the effect these events will have on Trump, both personally and politically, will unfold. We all deserve compassion. Effectively addressing the psychological effects of trauma will be crucial, not just for Trump but for society as a whole.’