Let’s Normalize Talking About PTSD
June is PTSD Awareness Month. There are many people who live with this devastating disorder every day, but some people are uncomfortable talking about it. It’s time to break the stigma around PTSD, and that starts with learning more about it.
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This disorder affects people who have experienced a traumatic event, or multiple events. PTSD symptoms include anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and obsessive thoughts about the traumatic event. It’s normal for people to feel this way after trauma, but if it lasts more than a month or interferes with normal life, it is likely to be PTSD. Sometimes, symptoms appear immediately after the event, but sometimes, symptoms do not begin to appear until months or years later.
About 7-8% of the US population develops PTSD at some point in their lives. It affects roughly 10% of women and 4% of men. People of all ages can be affected, including children. However, most people who experience a traumatic event do not develop PTSD. Having strong support from loved ones after a traumatic event makes it less likely that a person will develop PTSD.
PTSD symptoms
There are four categories of PTSD symptoms, though not everyone will have every symptom. Intrusive memories are vivid flashbacks and nightmares about the event, as your brain is focused on reliving it instead of healing from it. Avoidance means going out of your way to avoid anything that reminds you of the event, even things that would normally be harmless. Negative changes in thinking and mood are things such as an inability to enjoy favorite hobbies, strained relationships with family and friends, strong feelings of hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts. Changes in physical and emotional reactions include trouble sleeping, inability to concentrate, angry outbursts, and being easily startled.
Why do these symptoms happen? When we face a dangerous situation, our brains go into a heightened state of awareness, or “fight-or-flight” mode. This is a good thing because it helps us avoid danger. However, it is possible for the brain to become overstimulated and overwhelmed, which causes changes in brain structure and imbalances of stress hormones. This is how PTSD is formed.
The PTSD stigma
Unfortunately, there is a stigma in society against PTSD. There are people who have the disorder and don’t realize it. They know that their trauma has strongly affected them, but they are afraid to talk about their feelings to others for fear of judgment. So they keep their feelings to themselves and they never see a doctor to get a diagnosis -- which means they don’t get the help they need.
Some people dismiss the feelings of PTSD sufferers by saying that they should “get over” a traumatic event because a long time has passed. There are some people who see PTSD as a sign of weakness, something to be ashamed of. There are also people who think that if a person wasn’t a victim of trauma, but only a witness, they can’t or shouldn’t have PTSD.
These false ideas are harmful, and the fact that so many people think this way makes it difficult for PTSD sufferers to talk about their problems. This is why they are afraid of being judged by society.
What to do about PTSD
If you have PTSD or think you may have it, please talk with a mental health professional. They can give you guidance on how to get to a better place mentally and physically. Remember, there’s no shame in seeking help -- it’s a brave thing to do.
Do you have a loved one with PTSD? The best thing you can do is surprisingly simple: be a good listener! Spend time with them and listen to what they have to say. Try to think about things from their perspective. Ask if there’s anything you can do to help.
If you or a loved one is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Healing truly is possible for people with PTSD, but we need to break the stigma! Let’s normalize talking about PTSD instead of keeping it quiet.
