PTSD Awareness Month: 5 Things To Know About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Did you know approximately 6 out of every 100 people in the U.S. will experience PTSD at some point in their lives? According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 12 million adults have PTSD in the U.S. during any given year.
Empowering ourselves with accurate information about PTSD can help with early detection and treatment. Here are 5 things to know:
1. PTSD is a Response To Trauma…But What is Trauma?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an event in life that causes us to experience a lot of stress is considered to be a traumatic event. Traumatic events often include feelings of helplessness, danger, and a scary event. Trauma can happen to anyone in life and what is traumatic to one person might not be traumatic (or as traumatic) to another. For example, the sudden passing of a loved one can cause PTSD in some individuals.
2. Anyone Can Experience PTSD
Any person who experiences trauma can potentially develop PTSD - this includes children and individuals with disabilities.
3. Symptoms of PTSD Can Vary
Symptoms of PTSD can vary, and often include experiencing all of the following for at least 1 month, according to the NIMH.
At least one re-experiencing symptom (such as flashbacks, scary thoughts)
At least one avoidance symptom (avoiding specific places that trigger memories)
At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms (feeling tense or easily startled)
At least two cognition and mood symptoms (such as negative thoughts about oneself, loss of interest, feelings of guilt/blame)
4. What To Do If Your Child Has PTSD
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), there are a few things you can do to help your child if they are experiencing PTSD (in addition to seeking help from a medical professional):
Let your child know that it is okay to feel upset if something scary happens
Encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts, without judgment
Return to daily routines
5. How You Can Help Yourself
There are several ways you can help yourself if you think you might have PTSD (or if you think someone you care for might have PTSD), according to the NIMH:
Speaking with your doctor
Engaging in mild exercise to reduce stress
Setting realistic goals for yourself
Breaking up large tasks into small ones
Spending time with others
Confiding in a trusted friend
Seek out comforting places, people, and situations
Symptoms with PTSD tend to improve gradually over time, rather than immediately. Knowing this and the above information about who PTSD can affect (any person) can be helpful in potentially detecting signs and symptoms early and seeking treatment.
Additional Resources
PTSD is a serious condition and the above is only intended to be used to provide you with some information about the condition. For additional information, please refer to the below resources by selecting the organization’s name and/or speak with a medical professional/your health care provider:
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
NIMH Health Hotlines and Contact Numbers
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
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