Jaycee Lee Dugard: PTSD, Seclusion and Paparazzi

October 15, 3:05 PMUS Headlines ExaminerCharisse Van Horn

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In this image released Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, by People Magazine, the cover of the magazine is shown with Jaycee Dugard. Dugard when she was 11. Police say she was abducted outside her South Lake Tahoe home in 1991, she is now 29. Dugard decided to release photos to People magazine as a way to "share her joy with the world" and show how well she's doing. (AP Photo/People Magazine)

Yesterday, the world saw the first adult photo of Jaycee Lee Dugard in an exclusive People magazine cover. The talk show circuit was busy discussing the case, Jaycee’s photo, and the impact her kidnapping will have on her future. The topic of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) was brought up and on the Larry King show, clinical psychologist Michelle Golland also mentioned the effect that being in seclusion might have on Jaycee Lee.

Jaycee Lee Dugard has been in seclusion since her release from captivity on August 26, 2009. Dr. Golland expressed concern that being in seclusion immediately following her release might exacerbate feelings of imprisonment. Coupled with the reality of running from paparazzi (a concern that many have shared since the new release of Jaycee’s image) the feeling of always looking over her shoulder, has not ended with her subsequent freedom. In a sense, Jaycee Lee Dugard left one imprisonment and has entered another Jacyee and her daughters, though working with therapists,  have many obstacles to overcome.

The photo depicted a very beautiful, young woman with shiny brown hair and a bright, vivacious smile. Unfortunately, the photo of Jaycee Lee only depicts the outside. Though we all share with the joyous celebration that Jaycee has had with her family, how much more would her celebration have been if she had not needed to worry about the public spotlight. Those who are in the best state of mind crack under the constant surveillance of the paparazzi. Prayerfully, Jaycee Lee and her daughters will not be subjected to continual harassment and stalking from those hoping to snap a photo and sell it to the highest bidder. Jaycee Dugard has been a victim long enough; she deserves the chance to enjoy her freedom without being stalked, harassed, and followed.

It is possible that Jaycee Lee shared her photo with the public at this time because of soon coming hearings involving her alleged kidnappers: Phillip and Nancy Garrido. Jaycee has stated that she is ready to testify and should she appear at those hearings, there is no doubt the paparazzi will do their best to be there as well.

Jaycee Lee Dugard has expressed her happiness at being reunited with her family. She has also expressed through her spokeswoman that she is ready to take the stand and testify against her kidnappers. We can only pray that she is strong enough to handle the media spotlight and tactics of the paparazzi when she is ready to leave seclusion and enjoy her newfound freedom.
 

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Jaycee Lee Dugard: PTSD, Seclusion and Paparazzi