Common Misconceptions about PTSD

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Transcript of Common Misconceptions about PTSD

Page 1: Common Misconceptions about PTSD
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What do you knowabout Post-TraumaticStress Disorder?

You may develop it if you have experienced a traumatic event—whether as a victim or a witness—like abuse, injury, violence, death, or combat.

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Here are some common misconceptions and myths

associated with the disorder.

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" PTSD only affects war veterans."

Those who serve in a combat zone can develop symptoms of PTSD, but the disorder is not limited to members of the military. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 60% of men and 50% of women will experience trauma during their lives. 7-8% of the population will develop PTSD at some point.

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"I can't recover from PTSD, since I can't remember the trauma."

2Specific memories can fade over time, but therapists say that the timespan shouldn’t prevent someone from seeking treatment.

According to Psychologist Dr. Edgardo Padin-Rivera, “So many vets thought that if they didn’t think about it, didn’t talk about it, in time they’d get over it. A lot of what we get from them is that they’ve been suffering in silence over 60 years.”

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It's never too late to seek treatment.

National Center for PTSD(802) 296-6300http://www.ptsd.va.gov/

Suicide Prevention Lifeline(800) 273-8255

Veterans Crisis Line(800) 273-8255 (press 1)http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

The National Institute of Mental Health(866) 615-6464http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

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Symptoms of PTSD can be triggered by events in everyday life, and sometimes years go by before these symptoms are apparent. The National Center for PTSD recommends seeking help, regardless of how long ago the trauma was.

Use the VA’s PTSD Program Locator to find specialized PTSD programs in your state:http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/PTSD.asp

"It's too late to do anything for me."3

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Anyone can develop PTSD, but not everyone develops it after a traumatic event.

According to the National Center for PTSD, over 50% of Americans will go through some type of trauma, but a small percentage of the population will actually develop PTSD.

"Everyone suffers from some kind of PTSD."4

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Not everyone who has served in a combat zone is affected by PTSD, butwar-time events can lead to PTSD. The National Center for PTSD says between 11-20% of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans have PTSD in a given year, and about 15 out of 100 Vietnam Veterans were diagnosed in the late 1980s.

"PTSD affects everyone who's been in combat."5

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Just like there are different ways to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, there are also various degrees in which PTSD symptoms are apparent. Common symptoms include:

Distressing memories of the event Emotional numbness Avoiding talk or thoughts about the event Trouble concentrating

All symptoms of PTSD can vary in intensity and can be aggravated by various events and stimuli. Visit the Mayo Clinic’s website for a full list of symptoms.

"PTSD is either all or nothing."6

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There are various treatments available to those who suffer from PTSD. The VA website [http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/therapy-med/index.asp] discusses common treatments, including Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and more.

"PTSD sufferers need medication, not therapy."7

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With treatment, you can learn ways to cope with negative feelings and thoughts,connect with others, and make sense of the trauma itself.

The National Center for PTSD has a website called About Face, which features stories from veterans who live with PTSD and provides information about treatment options. Learn more here: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/AboutFace/

"You'll never completely recover from PTSD."8

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PTSD can affect any age group, especially those who have suffered traumatic events like war, violence, abuse, terrorism, and natural disasters.

"PTSD only affects people of a certain age."9

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It does take time to recover from a traumatic event, but time alone won’t be enough to fully heal. PTSD can affect your relationships, work, and life in general, so it’s important to seek out treatment options and support.

"Recovering from PTSD just takes time."10

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The Mayo Clinic suggests PTSD symptoms can begin within three months of the event, but could even take years to develop. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following signs:

Reliving experiences of the traumatic event Emotional distress when reminded of the event Upsetting dreams about the event

"Symptoms always develop immediately after a traumatic event."11

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Not everyone may be affected by PTSD, but it clearly has nothing to do with a person’s internal or external strength.

Follow the advice of your doctor or psychologist, and believe that you can become whole. Always remind yourself that you are not your disorder, and you are not weak.

"PTSD is a sign of weakness."12

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