PMSD: Post-Mayoral Stress Disorder

Although far less harmful than post-traumatic stress disorder, PMSD, or post-mayoral stress disorder, is a very real phenomenon, affecting thousands in N.Y.C. and, thus, a serious cause for concern.

What is Post-Mayoral Stress Disorder (PMSD)?

For example, if as an educator you had a threatening mayor, it is only natural to feel afraid. Such situations often trigger the “fight-or-flight” response as a healthy reaction to protect one from harm. An educator might very well have quit the teaching profession or retired early, thus, taking flight.  Others might have stayed and fought by holding signs outside Gracie Mansion, contributing to an ed. blog or merely scoffing at mayoral edicts.  But in post-mayoral stress disorder (PMSD), sufferers are stressed or afraid despite the fact that they are no longer facing real danger.

PMSD may develop subsequent to horrific incidents stemming from mayoral control of education.  Persons with PMSD may have either personally suffered at the hands of the mayor, had a loved one suffer the same or been witness to the treatment of ATRs subsequent to the closings of their schools.

PMSD was first brought to public attention in relation to veteran educators subsequent to the exit of the Bloomberg administration.  It can result from a variety of traumatic incidents, including the witnessing of massive public school closings, the favoritism shown towards charter schools or the failure to obtain a new contract.

Signs & Symptoms

Persons suffering from PMSD may experience some or all of the following symptoms:  flashbacks causing physiological changes such as sweating, nightmares and nerve-wracking thoughts.  Persons may avoid scenarios that trigger unpleasant memories.  They may become emotionally numb, or they may be overly sensitive, nervous and/or lose sleep. 

Educators experiencing any of these symptoms should schedule immediate visits with clinical psychologists.  When the disorder is experienced in conjunction with Common Coritis and/or Duncan's malady, the situation may prove deadly.  Seek help early and often.