New Mold Chapter and Post-Traumatic Stress

8 comments
One of our mold specialists is a psychologist who has worked with numerous trauma victims. He contends the mold population is the most traumatized of all. The lack of understanding in the medical community, the isolation from family and friends, the financial devastation, the loss of health, loss of possessions, and people not understanding the depth of trauma all contribute to a horrifying anguish that takes years to resolve and can be triggered at any moment.

When our mold remediation company began work on Monday morning, our family’s trauma reared its ugly head. Every bone in my body went weak as I listened to the sound of plastic and tape, trash bags, and dehumidifying machines.

“Mom, you have that look on your face that you did in our Colorado house,” one of my kids said.

I felt disoriented, paralyzed, unable to cope. One of our adult children walked into the kitchen with the same look. “It’s so eerie,” she said.

I’ve read that 9/11 survivors' trauma is triggered when they hear trucks rumbling around the streets, unusual sounds coming from the air vents in the office, or thunder.

I understand.

It doesn’t matter that my kids’ noses aren’t bleeding profusely. It doesn't matter that we’re not running to the emergency room with another migraine, and no one is in a wheelchair. It doesn't matter that my brain isn't fogged like it was in the months leading up to our abandonment of the home.

My traumatized mind can’t distinguish between the past and the present.

Today is better and it's all a little clearer.

A microbial bomb went off in our home two years ago. We had no choice but to flee.

This time we’re dealing with a hand grenade.

This time Chris and I find ourselves on the same page. No need for me to try to convince him something is wrong. He knows.

This time we know not to disturb the mold until it is properly treated.

This time we know what type of company to call AND which type not to call.

This time I don't need to spend hours researching, trying to figure out if stachybotrys is truly dangerous.

Because it's so different this time, I think the odds are a little better than 50/50 that we'll stay in this house. These are tough odds, really. I can't imagine starting over. Again.

The good news is that, in the end, the odds are 100% in our favor. I'm confident that there's a bigger story to all of this. A better one. An eternal story which promises that all things work together for good.

So we wait and see. We'll deal with the trauma of the past as it floods back. We'll look for the truth about the present as we learn it. And, like Niebuhr said: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

8 comments :

  1. Hang in there Andrea,
    I will continue to pray. God will get you through this just as I know he will be with me as I start the process with my house.

    Sending prayers,
    Stacy, IL

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  2. We think the Fabry Family needs a giant H U G today. So hold still, here it comes!!! Love you guys! Praying much!

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  3. I'm glad that there is hope that you can stay in the house. I'm glad that it has not adversely affected your health. I'm glad you caught it on time. I'm glad you knew who to call.

    I'll be honest, it was hard to be glad and rejoice when I first heard the news, but after reading this wonderful blog post, your ability to find the good in it is refreshing. You ARE the warrior woman.

    Joel and I love you both and continue to pray.

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  4. Andrea, I am continuing to pray for you.
    Vian

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  5. Andrea,

    You perfectly articulate the mindset of the mold-haunted. Even if it seems just like an intellectual exercise, I'm sure that it helps to process the event when you list the things that you DO know how to do, as opposed to the last time. You are a hero to have done and continue to do what you do in the face of everything, especially when you feel defeated, impotent with anger or depression and catatonically numb to any feeling at all.

    I am rooting for you all for a reasonable outcome to a horrible circumstance. Hang in there for the next 48 hours.

    Deborah

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  6. You have bear fruit, we can see...
    and now... your fruit is becoming poured-out wine . You didn't choose it but your are submitting to it. Keep abiding.

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  7. What remediation company did you use? I am looking for one and if you found one that is reputable I'd love to know who it is.

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  8. We used Global Prevention Services. We were very happy with them. They have offices throughout the country.
    www.nomold.com

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