Understanding PTSD: Trauma, Symptoms, & Support

By: Camden Baucke MS LLP

Today, June 27th, is National PTSD Awareness Day, a crucial time to discuss the causes, prevalence, and impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can be a pervasive and debilitating condition, arising from experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. If you are reading this article and have experienced trauma, please practice self-care and be mindful of your physical and emotional state. If you haven’t experienced trauma, this disclaimer highlights the profound impact PTSD can have. Let’s explore the onset, symptoms, and support for PTSD.

What is PTSD Trauma?

PTSD is a widely recognized mental health disorder that should be diagnosed by medical and mental health professionals. Below are the basic criteria for PTSD as outlined in the DSM-V. If you think you might qualify for a diagnosis, please seek help from a mental health professional for an official assessment.

Basic Criteria for PTSD

1. Exposure to a Traumatic Event:
   • Directly experiencing a traumatic event (actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence)
   • Witnessing, in person, the event as it occurred to someone else
   • Learning that the traumatic event occurred to a close family member or friend.
   • Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of a traumatic event.
2. Intrusive Symptoms after the Event:
   • Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of a traumatic event.
   • Recurrent distressing dreams related to a traumatic event.
   • Dissociative reactions where the individual feels or acts as if a traumatic event is recurring.
   • Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of a traumatic event.
   • Marked physiological reactions to reminders of a traumatic event.
3. Avoidance of Triggers of the Event:
   • Efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with a traumatic event.
   • Efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with a traumatic event.
4. Worsened Mood or Cognition after the Event:
   • Inability to remember an important aspect of a traumatic event (due to dissociative amnesia).
   • Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world.
   • Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event that lead the individual to blame themselves or others.
   • Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame).
   • Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
   • Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
   • Persistent inability to experience positive emotions.
5. Heightened Arousal and Activity after the Event:
   • Irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no provocation).
   • Reckless or self-destructive behavior.
   • Hypervigilance.
   • Exaggerated startle response.
   • Problems with concentration.
   • Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep).

Statistics

PTSD affects millions of people worldwide, with varying prevalence across different populations. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7-8% of the U.S. population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Rates are higher among veterans, with an estimated 11-20% of veterans experiencing PTSD in a given year.

Ways to Help

1. Fight the Stigma:
   • Educate yourself and others about PTSD to dispel myths and misconceptions.
   • Promote a culture of understanding and acceptance towards individuals with PTSD.
2. Encourage Therapy:
   • Support friends and loved ones in seeking professional help.
   • Advocate for access to mental health services in your community.
3. Be Understanding:
   • Offer a listening ear and validate their experiences.
   • Be patient and provide a non-judgmental space for them to express their feelings.

Crisis Resources

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the following resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

Conclusion

PTSD is a serious mental health condition that requires understanding, support, and appropriate treatment. By raising awareness and promoting supportive environments, we can help those affected by PTSD lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, please seek professional help and utilize available resources.

Remember, recovery is possible, and you are not alone.

If you want to learn more about mental health, or even start a therapy journey of your own, please feel free to reach out or visit our website today!