PTSD. What is the first thing you think about when you hear this acronym? Many might say that they think of the military, or maybe when someone gets into a really bad accident… But is that all that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is?
As June is PTSD Awareness Month, and we strive to fight stigmas and myths every day, let’s debunk 5 myths about PTSD.
Myth #1
“Only war vets experience PTSD.”
Many people experience PTSD, not just veterans. According to ptsdalliance.org, an average of 70% of Americans will experience a traumatic event in their lives. And out of that 70%, 20% will develop PTSD symptoms. It can happen to anyone.
Myth #2
“People with PTSD are crazy.”
This statement is not only harmful, but it is far from the truth. We can blame the stereotypes placed in many tv shows and movies for this. They often depict characters as psychotic or violent after an traumatic event. Leaving people to often dismiss real life situations.
Myth #3
“Once someone gets PTSD, nothing can really be done about it.”
There are many people living with PTSD that are receiving successful treatment. From counseling to cognitive behavioral therapy, there are many options out there that work.
Myth #4
“People should eventually get over it and move on.”
There’s no set time limit on one’s diagnosis for PTSD. While treatment can result in getting rid of symptoms, it is not the same experience for everyone and PTSD is not something that can just magically go away on its own. Many people have various ways of coping with their diagnosis, and for some, PTSD may never go away.
Myth #5
“Well we all go through things, so we all have PTSD.”
As stated above for Myth #1, about 70% of Americans will experience trauma, but only about 20% actually develop PTSD. To be diagnosed for PTSD, a person has to have a combination of symptoms that last over 3 months. PTSD is not as common as you may think.
So how can we tell if someone has PTSD? Here are some symptoms:
Recurring intrusive memories of the event
Avoidance
Negative changes in thoughts and mood
High anxiety
*Full article and description of symptoms here.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of PTSD, seek professional help. BES Group & Associates offers services in English and Spanish to help treat symptoms. PTSD can affect anyone at any time and it can disrupt your daily life in a major way. From relationships, to your professional life, to your overall health. Don’t ignore the signs.
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