(MIP-2) This possible development of PTSD in Najmah is further emphasized by her development of known PTSD symptoms in the book. (SIP-A) An example of this is Najmah’s inability for verbal communication with others, which is a clear symptom of PTSD, specifically the symptom of disconnection from others. (STEWE-1) Najmah experienced a sudden and severe decline of verbal communication to the point of non-existence following the traumatic event that took Mada-jan and Habib from her. Clearly attributed to the bombing, this event robbed her of speech for the duration of her journey to Peshawar. This symptom wasn’t the work of Najmah, and she didn’t consciously bring it upon herself, as shown when she “[tries] to communicate, but although the words …show more content…
Her lack of speech is in many ways similar to Avoidant symptoms of PTSD, specifically “disconnection from others” (“Post-traumatic stress disorder”). Najmah is trying to avoid making connections, hence the Avoidant symptom, in order to not relive the loss that she endured following the loss of Mada-jan and Habib. In doing so she is disconnecting herself from the people who are caring for her throughout the journey. This scenario of her lack of speech is a legitimate symptom of PTSD known as disconnection from others (“Post-traumatic stress disorder”). (SIP-B) Another symptom of PTSD that Najmah experiences is emotional numbing. (STEWE-1) Najmah’s lack of sympathy towards other refugees is a perfect example of her emotional numbing. On the road to Peshawar, Najmah and the people traveling with her are attacked (Staples 104-105). Najmah, as well as Akhtar, Khalida, and their two boys survive, but while they are walking past dead refugees that were searching for a better life, “[Najmah] [doesn’t] feel anything about them at all-only a curiosity about who they [were] and where they [came] from” (Staples 106). Najmah's lack of sympathy towards the refugees is a clear indication of PTSD. If she was in shock she would feel nothing, but her feeling curiosity shows she is very much