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Why PTSD Isn’t Just for War Veterans

First appearing in 1980 in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) published by the American Psychiatric Association, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is suffered by individuals who have experienced severe trauma in their lives. While the nature of the trauma can vary, PTSD is perhaps best known for its association with service men and women returning from conflict, and many are unaware (or unaccepting) of the fact that just about anyone who has been through a traumatic event, can suffer from this mental health condition.

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Why PTSD Isn’t Just for War Veterans

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  1. Why PTSD Isn’t Just for War Veterans

  2. First appearing in 1980 in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) published by the American Psychiatric Association, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is suffered by individuals who have experienced severe trauma in their lives. While the nature of the trauma can vary, PTSD is perhaps best known for its association with service men and women returning from conflict, and many are unaware (or unaccepting) of the fact that just about anyone who has been through a traumatic event, can suffer from this mental health condition.

  3. What are the symptoms of PTSD? For many individuals, the symptoms of PTSD can be overwhelming, and often involve recurring, distressing and upsetting memories of the trauma that are hard to stop, along with flashbacks, night sweats, insomnia and panic attacks. Many sufferers have a tendency to isolate themselves from friends and family, and in extreme cases, may struggle to combat suicidal thoughts or even attempt to take their own life.

  4. Several other mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and generalized substance abuse can also appear alongside PTSD. What happens to the brain when people experience trauma? Research by the U.S. National Library of Medicine shows that several areas of the brain change when a person experiences trauma firsthand, including amygdala, hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex; these changes can also be lasting. What are common risk factors for PTSD? Typically, anyone suffering with PTSD have experienced one, or a combination of the following events:

  5. Long-lasting trauma • Childhood sexual abuse • Other types of childhood trauma • Lack of a strong support system • Witnessing someone else getting hurt • A history of substance abuse

  6. What should you do if you think you’re suffering from PTSD? Sadly, it’s impossible to control traumatic events and your exposure to them, but thankfully, there are steps you can take if you’ve experienced trauma and are struggling to cope. Seeking treatment from a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychotherapist, can be instrumental in the healing process of anyone suffering from PTSD, and the sooner help is sought, the sooner the individual can begin leading a more fulfilled, contented life.

  7. Are there any barriers that prevent PTSD sufferers from seeking treatment? From a lack of knowledge about the availability of mental health resources or a lack of access to them, to insurance issues, discrimination or a physical disability, there are several barriers that can prevent a person living with PTSD from seeking the treatment they need; in many cases, there is often a stigma associated with seeking treatment from a psychotherapist or counselor, too.

  8. That said, the global mental health community has been working tremendously hard in recent years to address these barriers and the many other issues PTSD sufferers face, and with the introduction of telehealth such as e-counseling (talking to a mental health professional over the phone or computer) and efforts to break down the stigma surrounding mental health concerns, things are slowly but surely getting better. It’s important to understand that while PTSD is a serious illness affecting many millions of individuals all over the world, it is treatable, and many individuals who seek treatment, go on to lead fulfilled lives, full of love and happiness. Working with a counselor or psychotherapist is the first step for anyone on their healing journey, and can help relieve feelings of isolation, depression and anger.

  9. If you’re struggling to cope with a past trauma that has deeply affected you, remember that you’re not alone, and help is out there. Doral Psychotherapy offers online counseling services including therapy for Anxiety, Trauma, Depression, Grief, PTSD counseling in Doral FL . Gabriela is a licensed mental health counselor in Florida. If you’ve been feeling hopeless or lost lately, or struggling with a problem in your life that feels unsurmountable, individual counseling could help you. Our telehealth solution allows you to schedule an appointment directly online and have the entire therapy session take place digitally. If you are looking for a trauma therapist in Doral, FL or online therapy for depression or anxiety or any kind of individual mental health issues, contact us at ‪(786) 843-9527‬.

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