The news, the myths about PTSD. There are so many misconceptions floating around that it can be difficult to disprove the stigma and get the facts about PTSD straight. People with PTSD are often misunderstood by society and sometimes not taken seriously. They are perceived as weak or disjointed when the truth is that they have an incredible ability to survive in unimaginable traumatic conditions. People with PTSD have great inner strength, as they have found ways to deal with their symptoms to function in their daily lives.
Unfortunately, those who experience symptoms of PTSD usually have no control over their triggers or spirals. I wrote this to give an insight into seven common myths about PTSD and expose them to help those who suffer feel heard more. In addition, to help those who do not understand the struggle and provide better support. So, on interesting facts about PTSD.
PTSD is all in your mind
Of all the myths about PTSD, this has to be the most infuriating and thoughtless. PTSD is a real and recognized mental health condition that has been studied for decades. Therefore, if someone tries to lecture you about the symptoms of PTSD or the causes of PTSD in an attempt to get rid of the disease, feel free to correct them without hesitation.
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When you are already struggling for your emotional well-being, the last thing you need is for someone to shine a light on you out of ignorance. Frustratingly, people often fail to understand or relate to things that they have not personally experienced. However, times are changing rapidly, and this unconscious attitude has become unacceptable forever.
Everyone who suffers from trauma will develop PTSD
There are many paradoxical types of traumatic events that one can experience. Most cases of PTSD stem from events that have occurred in a person’s life, where the triggers are sounds, smells, behaviors, or actions that flood the memories of the incident.
However, not everyone who goes through trauma experiences permanent symptoms, contrary to popular myths about PTSD. The reasons for this are unknown but are likely to depend on the personality, upbringing, and genetic makeup of the individual. People who are traumatized and do not develop PTSD may still experience short-term stress with symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and depression. About 8% of the population is diagnosed with PTSD at some point in their life. The risk of developing PTSD symptoms increases with the severity, duration, and proximity of the trauma
Post-traumatic stress disorder is not treatable
Nowadays, many treatment options and methods are available, many of which are focused on addressing the root causes of PTSD. Psychological therapies focused on trauma are most effective at this moment in time. Psychotherapy focuses on the memory of the traumatic event and what it means to you. The goal is to help you accept what happened and process the terrible incident to the best of your ability. Blocking painful memories and the causes of PTSD, which is second nature to many of us, hurts us even more in the long run.
If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, I highly recommend looking for a support group to connect with others in the same boat. Support groups can be online or in person, whichever is more applicable in these circumstances. Sometimes talking to others who have first-hand experience of what you are going through is invaluable.
Post-traumatic stress disorder involves only flashbacks
One of the less well-known and interesting facts about PTSD is that the condition involves not only flashbacks. Flashbacks include hearing, feeling, or seeing a past event happen, as well as sometimes having pictorial nightmares. PTSD can affect everyone differently depending on the individual and the trauma they have experienced.
Symptoms of PTSD can include but are not limited to intrusive thoughts, extreme distress, and physical sensations such as pain, sweating, nausea, or trembling. The symptoms of PTSD are very real and can affect the body in a very tangible way.
All people with PTSD are dangerous
Having PTSD is a miserable thing and it can be very difficult to combat it. People who have been diagnosed with PTSD relive their traumatic experiences during their seizures, whether rare or frequent. We deal with this in different ways, and at the surface level, it seems that some of us are coping badly.
Complex behaviors may cause others to withdraw from your life when you need them most. Unfortunately, there is still a huge stigma surrounding the causes of PTSD, and it sometimes feels as if we have a long way to go until we can crush these situations. If possible (and I know that this is far from easy), surround yourself with great sympathy, and emotionally strong individuals who will not be ashamed of you.
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It should also be noted that psychosis is not a symptom associated with PTSD, and PTSD does not directly cause psychotic episodes. People who have been diagnosed with PTSD are more likely to withdraw and retreat rather than immediately become aggressive.
PTSD occurs only after the traumatic event
There is no hard and fast rule about when PTSD will take root in a person. Although it usually takes a week or two for signs of post-traumatic stress, some people don’t develop symptoms until weeks, months, or even years later.
For this reason, many people who develop PTSD after a very traumatic event often do not get the help they need. Shortly after a traumatic event, most people will experience stress reactions, but PTSD is diagnosed only if these symptoms persist for at least a month. Sometimes PTSD develops only years after the shocking event. However, something may be acting as a trigger and bringing back memories of the traumatic event, causing them to relive that experience and struggle to recover.
People with post-traumatic stress disorder cannot work
In recent myths about PTSD, people who have been diagnosed with the disorder can lead a regular and effective life while experiencing symptoms as long as they get the support and help they need. People who have been diagnosed with PTSD can still have healthy jobs and relationships.
Some people with symptoms of PTSD are unable to work due to complications caused by the condition, but this is not how the disease affects everyone. PTSD may interfere with their ability to perform specific tasks, but there are many suitable jobs for people who have been diagnosed, especially with the rise of working from home.
Myths about the review of PTSD
PTSD is a painful condition that should not be taken lightly. It can affect any type of individual, anywhere, and at any time. But there are many misconceptions and muddy truths about PTSD, unfortunately. If you or someone close to you has been experiencing symptoms for more than a month, don’t live in denial. Seek help and support as soon as you can reduce the chances of concurrent conditions such as depression or substance abuse.
The causes of PTSD can vary greatly from person to person, along with the symptoms, so don’t be discouraged if your experience or recovery isn’t straightforward. Learning the facts about PTSD not only enables you and anyone struggling around you but also helps eliminate stigma in the wider community. And at times like these, shattering the myths about PTSD is arguably more important than ever.
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