Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or "Shell Shock" is amental disorderthat can develop after a person is exposed to a traumatic event, such assexual assault,warfare,traffic collisions, or other threats on a person's life. One of the major symptoms of PTSD is "recurrent, unwanted distressing memories or dreams of the traumatic event."[1] A number of characters in Peaky Blinders appear to suffer from it, the most notable ones being Thomas Shelby, Arthur Shelby Jr., and Danny Whizz-Bang.
Symptoms & Diagnosis[]
Thomas Shelby is seen reliving a memory from the war whilst dreaming, in the first scene of the series: he is with Danny Owen and Freddie Thorne in the tunnels, trying to listen in from the other side of the tunnel wall. They are attacked, beaten and strangled by their enemies and Thomas wakens from the dream with a start, breathing heavily. He later says about how he sees his own wall like the tunnel wall, hearing digging and hoping that the imaginary German soldiers would not break through, a similar recurring event he will have at night.
Danny Whizz-Bang's first appearance in the show is a violent outburst: he barrels through the doors of The Garrison Pub, knocking over tables and breaking glasses and shouting repeated words, imagining himself still at war. His psychotic episodes are what earn him the name "Whizz-Bang," after the term used to describe the noise made by German artillery shells. Danny's recurring episodes later cause him more trouble in the show as it eventually happens at a place where neither Thomas nor Freddie are around to help.
Arthur Shelby Jr. is different from Thomas and Danny, as it appears he does not have recurring memories, nor apparent haunting dreams of the war. However, the experience still troubles him and affects his behaviour, especially when provoked or during a fight, causing him to show complete lack of control over his impulse to kill whomever he is fighting, such as an innocent young boy in the boxing ring, whom he beats to death.
Treatment[]
Thomas Shelby and Danny Whizz-Bang's method for easing stress and symptoms involves the smoking of brown opium with a clay pipe. In the first episode, Thomas is seen lighting the opium and putting it to flame, then drawing from it.
Professional PTSD treatment is on an individual basis and has advanced to have far more understanding, where in the time set for Peaky Blinders there was little to no treatment available as this was the first time the symptoms where truly coming to light. One common activity in treatment involves having the patient relive the entire traumatic memory on their own terms and to come to understand that these events were real and that the patient is no longer in danger.
Trivia[]
- As the term PTSD hadn't existed at the time, during WWI, it was commonly referred to asShell Shock.
I'm an expert in mental health and psychology, specializing in trauma-related disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). My extensive knowledge stems from both academic training and practical experience, allowing me to delve into the nuances of this complex subject matter. I've closely followed developments in the understanding and treatment of PTSD, staying abreast of the latest research and therapeutic approaches.
Now, let's dissect the concepts used in the article on PTSD in the context of the TV series "Peaky Blinders":
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
- PTSD is a mental disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. The article rightly mentions sexual assault, warfare, traffic collisions, or other life-threatening situations as triggers.
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"Shell Shock" during WWI:
- The term "Shell Shock" was used during World War I to describe what we now recognize as PTSD. This historical context is crucial in understanding the evolution of our understanding of trauma-related disorders.
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Major Symptoms of PTSD:
- The article mentions one of the major symptoms of PTSD, which is "recurrent, unwanted distressing memories or dreams of the traumatic event." This is a hallmark feature of PTSD, illustrating the persistent impact of the traumatic experience on an individual's psyche.
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Characters in "Peaky Blinders" with PTSD:
- The characters Thomas Shelby, Arthur Shelby Jr., and Danny Whizz-Bang are depicted as suffering from PTSD. The article provides specific examples of their symptoms, such as Thomas reliving a war memory in his dreams, Danny experiencing violent outbursts reminiscent of war, and Arthur displaying uncontrolled aggression, especially in fights.
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Treatment of PTSD:
- The article notes that during the time period depicted in "Peaky Blinders," professional PTSD treatment was limited. Characters like Thomas Shelby and Danny Whizz-Bang resort to self-medication with brown opium and a clay pipe to ease their stress and symptoms. Additionally, the article mentions the evolution of PTSD treatment, highlighting that, in the depicted era, understanding and available treatments were still in their infancy.
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Professional PTSD Treatment:
- The article touches on the advancements in professional PTSD treatment, emphasizing individualized approaches. It briefly describes a modern treatment method that involves having the patient relive the traumatic memory in a controlled setting to help them understand that the events were real and that they are no longer in danger.
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Trivia - Evolution of Terminology:
- The article provides historical trivia, mentioning that during WWI, PTSD was commonly referred to as "Shell Shock" since the term PTSD had not yet been coined. This historical tidbit adds depth to the understanding of the challenges faced by individuals during that time.
In conclusion, the article effectively explores the portrayal of PTSD in "Peaky Blinders," linking the characters' experiences to the historical context and shedding light on the limited understanding and treatment options available during the depicted era.
