Donna Hunter

Background

About Donna Hunter

Growing up near an Air Force base made me love the sound of airplanes…the low and powerful drone of C-140 transport planes is still one of the best sounds ever for me. Before 9-11, the best entertainment was lying on fresh green grass just outside the fence surrounding the landing strip. Now, the trick was to position yourself so that beast flew directly over you on approach for landing…as it got lower and lower, you could see all the landing gear and just feel the controlled power as you were covered by the shadow of the underbelly. The sound was deafening, but it was strangely both exhilarating and comforting for me. I still LOVE flying, takeoffs and landings still give me a rush. But not everyone in my neighborhood felt the same way. My neighbor survived the Blitz. I didn’t understand the significance of that as a kid. Whereas hearing that low drone of approaching planes across the sky was exciting to me, it was frightening for her. I was confused by her reaction. She was crouched by the side of the house seemingly trying to meld into the siding. She appeared small, curled in tightly, armadillo-like as planes approached for landing. It seemed she was using all her powers trying to be invisible. I was a kid, and perplexed… She was an adult, and from my eyes, adults were invulnerable…this was VERY strange. There was no danger, yet her fright was palpable. Fast forward decades later. As a psychotherapist, I understand now what I saw. That uncontrollable fright was a symptom consistent with a traumatic stress disorder. I have since met hundreds of clients with an array of symptoms in the aftermath of overwhelming life events such as that experienced by my neighbor.working at a university, most of them young adults. It’s been a privilege to witness their resilience under tremendous suffering and I'm honored to be part of their healing journey. They’ve opened my eyes to the pervasive damage caused by traumatic stress, child abuse, neglect, and developmental trauma as well as the ways it profoundly interrupts sleep, memory, learning, and self-efficacy. I think we as adults have to be part of the solution. If you want to talk more about traumatic stress, it’s impact and hopeful solutions, or if I can help in any way, reach out.