PTSD Awareness: What to Know and Watch For

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. While oftentimes PTSD is associated with military veterans, anyone can develop symptoms after a wide range of life-threatening or deeply distressing experiences, from car accidents to natural disasters, assaults, or the sudden loss of a loved one.

Who gets PTSD?

PTSD is more common than many people realize. About 5-6% of people in the U.S. will develop PTSD at some point in their lives, with approximately 13 million Americans affected in any given year.

While most people experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, only a small group of these individuals go on to develop PTSD. Even though men experience more traumatic events overall, women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with PTSD.

What are the most common symptoms?

PTSD symptoms can appear within a month following a traumatic event, but sometimes they emerge many months or even years later. They can vary in intensity and may come and go over time. The four main types of PTSD symptoms are:

- Re-experiencing: Reliving the trauma through vivid flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive, negative thoughts. These episodes can trigger physical reactions too, such as sweating, nausea, or a fast racing heart.

- Avoidance: Steering clear of places, people, or activities that remind or trigger you of the past trauma. Individuals may also avoid discussing what happened or trying to suppress memories and emotions.

- Cognitive and Mood Changes: Persistent negative thoughts about oneself or the world, guilt or shame, difficulty recalling parts of the event, emotional numbness, or loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.

- Hyperarousal (feeling "on edge" ): Being easily startled, tense, irritable, having difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or engaging in risky behaviors.

PTSD can also lead to other issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse or misuse, physical symptoms (like headaches or stomach aches), and relationship or work problems.

When should you seek help?

It's normal to feel distressed after a traumatic event, but if symptoms last particularly longer or start to interfere with daily life, it's vital to seek professional support. PTSD can be successfully treated even years after the trauma occurred.

A combination of therapy and medication is often the most effective, and treatment can be tailored to each person's needs. The main treatments for PTSD include:

- Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps individuals process and reframe negative thoughts about the trauma.

- Exposure therapy: Slowly and gradually, this form of therapy can help people face memories and situations related to the trauma in a safe way.

- Medication: Specific antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help successfully manage symptoms.

Where can you find support?

We all deserve to live peacefully and happily, so don't wait to take action if you need more support to get through extremely tough periods. Support is available through community mental health clinics, support groups, private therapists, and national organizations. If you or someone you know is struggling, consider these resources:

- CCMH's 24/7 Crisis Line: Our Crisis intervention team is available 24 hours a day through telephone, walk-in, and mobile services.

- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.

- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor.

- National Center for PTSD: Offers information and resources for those affected.

PTSD is a real and treatable condition. Understanding the signs and knowing when to seek help can make a life-changing difference. If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, reach out to CCMH or other organizations; support and recovery are possible, and we're here to help you however you need.