There are many disorders that affect a person's emotional health. From depression and ADHD to severe anxiety and even multiple personality disorders, the various conditions can be overwhelming to understand. One condition that is becoming more and more misunderstood is PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder. Even though an estimated 8 percent of Americans have the condition at one point in time, most people are not familiar with PTSD. With this guide, you will learn a few surprising facts about this disorder.
It's Not Just about War
One of the most interesting facts that surprise people is that PTSD is not just about war. In actuality, anyone can develop the disorder after dealing with any type of trauma.
Because war is such a traumatic event, it is easy to see why so many veterans suffer from PTSD. However, individuals who dealt with abuse, illness, loss of a family member, assault, difficult childhood, a variety of other traumatic situations can lead to PTSD.
Symptoms Vary From Person to Person
When many people think about PTSD, they imagine a veteran flashing back to something they saw or experienced during the war. Again, the disorder is not just about war and it does not cause flashbacks only. As a matter of fact, flashbacks are not always a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Every patient is different, but here are a few common symptoms of PTSD:
- Depression and anxiety
- Avoiding people, places, and situations that remind you of the trauma
- Reliving the trauma whether through daydreams, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Difficulty remembering parts of the traumatic event
- Taking blame or feeling guilty about the trauma
If you or a family member are experiencing the above symptoms, talk to a doctor immediately to start a plan for treatment.
Treatment Is Possible
Another surprising fact patients and family members need to know is that it is not possible to just "get over" the trauma. Professional PTSD treatment services are beneficial for coping with daily life in a healthy and effective manner.
Again, each person is different so what works for some, may not work for others. Therefore, you may need to try a few different approaches to treat your PTSD.
Counseling with a licensed therapist who has experience with PTSD is common. This counseling may involve various therapies such as reliving the traumatic event in a safe and comfortable manner. Prescription medication may also be necessary for managing the symptoms of depression and anxiety that come along with PTSD.
There is a negative stigma associated with PTSD, but proper understanding can lead to helping more patients. By learning these surprising facts, you will have a better understanding of PTSD.
