Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the wife of one of America's most beloved leaders, suffered post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from watching her husband assassinated right before her eyes, according to a new book.
The assassination of John F. Kennedy by a sniper in Dallas on November 22nd, 1963, is one of the most tragic events in the history of this country. There are several books, movies and even museums dedicated to the memory of that sad event, which continues to be remembered annually.
But Barbara Leaming, the author of a book named after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, says the former first lady was torn apart internally with having to relive those painful moments repeatedly.
Reports indicate that she drank heavily to fall asleep and often woke up screaming sgortly after the deth of JFK. She even asked a priest if "God would separate me from my husband if I killed myself?" "It is so hard to bear. I feel as though I am going out of my mind at times," she explained.
Leaming told TODAY in an interview that Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was "traumatized in a very specific way." According to Leaming, the fact that she witnesses first-hand the assassination of JFK remained stuck in her mind. And she often retold the details of the incident to eager friends and other acquaintances, who adore the late president.
"If you have PTDS, you are constantly - and Jackie certainly was - constantly waiting for the next attack," Leaming explained. "When is it coming? You're in a state of arousal at all times waiting for the next gunshot. And it's a hideous way to live."
Leaming says Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was "completely numbed" after the death of Kennedy younger brother Bobby, about five years later. Although her marriage to Greek billionaire Aristotle Onassis provided some solace, it took clinical intervention for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to be completely healed.
Reports indicate that PTSD was not recognized that the time, therefore treatment wasn't readily available for patients - who often went undiagnosed.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was under a lot of pressure as the first lady, but the death of her husband pushed her to the limit. Leaming says she even contemplated suicide, while presenting a calm face to the world. Her book is set to be released on the 28th.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died on May 19th, 1994 from lymphatic cancer in New York at the age of 64.
