Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Understanding PTSD: Symptoms, Causes, and Paths to Healing

Trauma, a heightened emotional response from a distressing event, can cause various emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms. Given the prevalence of trauma in our society—with six out of every ten men and five out of every ten women experiencing at least one trauma in their lives—the notion that we aren’t alone in unpacking our trauma and ridding ourselves of what feels like ‘the weight of the world on our shoulders’ is not so inconceivable after all.

Confronting painful emotions can be uncomfortable, leading many to compare, minimize, or deny their suffering. While such self-protective measures may seem like the least threatening option, they ultimately delay the healing process, leaving us susceptible to continued suffering.

What Does Trauma Look Like?

Trauma can be classified as acute, chronic, or complex, depending on how the body responds to a distressing event, the age at which the trauma occurs, and the duration of symptoms. Individuals who have undergone trauma may experience cognitive, behavioral, psychological, and physical changes in their daily lives. Symptoms often include:

• Irritability and mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Re-experiencing the trauma through nightmares or flashbacks
• Hypervigilance
• Interrupted sleep patterns
• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• Substance misuse
• Anxiety and fear
• Dissociation
• Depression
• Shame and guilt

Typically, trauma responses last for a short duration while the brain and body work to return to a state of balance. However, some may experience long-term disruptions in their daily lives, making it more difficult to process their emotions and take steps towards healing. In some cases, an individual with long-term symptoms may develop PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). To be diagnosed with PTSD, an individual must meet specific criteria for at least one month.

Your Trauma is Valid

If you’ve ever experienced trauma, you may have said, “It wasn’t that bad” or “It could have been worse.” While it may be tempting to compare your trauma to another’s, it’s essential to remember that trauma can look and feel different for everyone. Common trauma-inducing events include car accidents, natural disasters, sudden losses, acts of violence, and abuse. However, the response to trauma is unique to everyone, as no two brains and bodies process stress identically. Instead of comparing suffering, we should show compassion to all who have endured pain, including ourselves.

A Path to Healing After Trauma

When past experiences negatively impact our present lives, we must confront them. Recognizing that our trauma is valid and does not define us allows us to pursue a path to healing.

Here are some steps to help you along the journey:

Recognize Your Trauma

Acknowledge that your experience is valid and that what happened is not your fault. You are worthy of living a full life. There is no better time than today to own your story, let it go, and pursue healing.

Remember What You Love

When we don’t feel our best, we often neglect what we love. As your self-esteem flourishes, your passions will return. Sometimes we need to dip our toes back into the water before we’re ready to dive in. Take baby steps.

Reduce Stress

Your mind and body need daily care to ensure your well-being. Take long scenic walks, indulge in bubble baths, get your heart pumping, or visit a favorite restaurant. Self-care is crucial for growth.

Reflect

Meditation, journaling, and creative expression are excellent tools to tune into your inner self. Healing from trauma is challenging, but as you become mentally stronger, you’ll find that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Reach Out for Support

Asking for support can be difficult, but it’s worth it. Confide in a close friend, attend group meetings, or consult a mental health professional. Support and guidance will remind you that you’re not alone.

Understanding PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms must persist for at least one month and significantly impair daily functioning. Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Intrusive memories (flashbacks, nightmares, recurrent memories)
• Avoidance (avoiding thoughts, conversations, or places associated with the trauma)
• Negative changes in thinking and mood (hopelessness, memory problems, relationship difficulties, detachment, lack of interest in activities)
• Changes in physical and emotional reactions (being easily startled, engaging in self-destructive behavior, interrupted sleep, difficulty concentrating, irritability, aggression, guilt, or shame)

Symptoms can vary over time and from person to person. Some individuals may experience heightened symptoms during times of stress or when reminded of a traumatic event.

Veterans and PTSD: The Impact of Military Trauma

Military service often involves exposure to highly traumatic events that can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Veterans may experience combat, participate in dangerous missions, or encounter severe training accidents, all of which can have lasting psychological impacts.

Studies show that veterans who have been deployed are three times more likely to develop PTSD than those who have not been deployed, even within the same service era. Several factors during combat situations can contribute to PTSD, including the nature of military occupation, the political context of the war and the location of the conflict.

Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

Another significant cause of PTSD in the military is Military Sexual Trauma (MST), which encompasses sexual harassment and assault experienced during service. MST can occur during peacetime, training, or wartime and affects both men and women in the military. Research is ongoing to better understand the impact of MST and other forms of trauma on diverse groups of veterans, including those of different racial, ethnic, and sexual orientations. These social factors play a crucial role in the risk of trauma and the development of PTSD both in civilian life and within the military.

By understanding the unique challenges faced by veterans and the specific factors contributing to PTSD, we can better support those who have served and ensure they receive the care and resources they need to manage their mental health.

Early Childhood Trauma

Early childhood trauma refers to traumatic events that occur between the ages of 0 and 6. Contrary to past beliefs, young children are significantly affected by traumatic events. According to The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), young children who experience trauma are at risk because their rapidly developing brains are highly vulnerable. Traumatic stress in children can result from physical and sexual abuse, witnessing domestic violence, natural disasters, accidents, losing a parent or caregiver, or painful medical procedures.

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). According to the CDC, 61% of adults have experienced at least one ACE, and about one in six adults report experiencing four or more ACEs during their formative years. Examples of ACEs include:

• Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
• Domestic violence
• Household substance abuse
• Parental mental illness
• Incarceration of a household member

While ACEs differ from trauma, prolonged exposure to adversity can lead to trauma later in life. The higher the number of ACEs, the greater the risk for mental health challenges, unsafe behaviors, and other health conditions.

Treatment for PTSD

Several treatment options have proven effective in managing PTSD:

Therapy

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Helps patients challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to trauma.
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Aims to reduce negative emotional and behavioral responses to trauma.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Uses bilateral stimulation to help patients process traumatic memories.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious processes and past experiences affecting present behavior.
• Narrative Therapy: Encourages individuals to narrate their traumatic experiences to make sense of them.
• Somatic Therapy: Focuses on the connection between the mind and body, addressing physical symptoms of trauma.
• Inner Child Work: Helps individuals heal from childhood trauma by addressing their inner child’s needs and feelings.

Pharmacological Options

Medications can help manage PTSD symptoms:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Commonly prescribed to reduce symptoms of PTSD.
• Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Used to treat both depression and PTSD.
• Prazosin: Can be effective in reducing nightmares associated with PTSD.

New Treatment Modalities on the Horizon

Recent research is exploring other innovative treatments for PTSD, for example:

• Psilocybin: Studies have shown that this psychedelic compound can have rapid and lasting effects on PTSD symptoms when administered in a controlled, therapeutic setting.
• MDMA: Commonly known as ecstasy in tablet form and molly in crystal form, is being researched as a treatment for PTSD through MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, which combines MDMA with therapeutic sessions to help patients process traumatic memories. Clinical trials have shown promising results, with many participants experiencing significant reductions in PTSD symptoms.

How We Can Help

Addressing PTSD requires a multifaceted approach. Here’s how we can help you on your healing journey:

• Pharmacological Measures: Offering medications to manage symptoms.
• Therapy: Providing various forms of psychotherapy to address emotional and behavioral aspects.
• Interventional Treatment Referrals: Referring individuals to specialized treatments when appropriate.
• Genetic Testing: Conducting tests to identify the most effective medications.
• Lab Testing: Performing tests to rule out medical conditions that might contribute to PTSD.

Seeking professional help to address, alleviate, and heal from trauma is crucial for health and well-being. Therapists, psychiatrists, counselors, and support groups can offer guidance and support tailored to individual needs. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and prioritizing mental well-being is essential for a healthier and happier future.