Survival and PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that often develops as the result of experiencing traumatic events, such as sexual assault, warfare, serious injury, or threats of imminent death. Disturbing recurring flashbacks, avoidance or numbing of memories of the event, and hyper-arousal are some of its associated symptoms.

Join Dr. Sadigh and his special guest, Durdane Aghayeva, and explore an incredible story of survival amid traumatic suffering. Durdane was only 20 years of age when she was injured and captured while trying to escape the most atrocious massacre in recent Azerbaijani history, the Khojaly massacre, in 1992. She has spent many years developing the courage and healing necessary to share her story. Hear firsthand what she has experienced and what has made it possible for her to survive such intense trauma.

Another dimension of Durdane’s unique story is the connection between the Jewish and Azerbaijani communities. Some people have never heard of Azerbaijan; a unique Muslim country that celebrates thousands of years of positive and respectful co-existence with Jewish residents, and 20 years of diplomacy with Israel. Azerbaijani people, like Jews and some other ethnicities, have experienced horrible tragedies. Emily Pflaster, a visionary leader who is building connection between the Jewish and Azerbaijani communities, joins Durdane in creating an enormous potential for peace, friendship and healing.