Even though mental illness is extremely common throughout the United States and the world, people still don’t really understand common mental health disorders. One mental health diagnosis that is frequently misunderstood is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At Highland Hospital, in Charleston, West Virginia, we think it’s important to address myths about mental health and educate people, so that they are better equipped to recognize mental health symptoms in themselves and others and seek out help.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition that results from a person being exposed to trauma. Trauma is something so painful, horrific, scary, or overwhelming that a person cannot cope. If PTSD results from the trauma, the person continues to have difficulties for a prolonged period following the triggering event.
PTSD Myths
Lack of understanding has fueled some myths around PTSD, such as:
- PTSD only impacts Veterans. Combat is definitely one type of trauma that can lead to PTSD; however, it is far from the only type. Other traumas that can result in PTSD include natural disasters, the sudden, violent, and/or unexpected death of a loved one, placement in foster care, living in a violent neighborhood, or abuse
- Anyone who goes through trauma automatically has PTSD. If this were true, every Veteran, every foster child, and every sexual assault survivor would have PTSD. Many people who experience trauma do not develop PTSD. Having a strong support system, access to therapy, and the ability to avoid future trauma often allows people to heal without developing PTSD.
- Flashbacks are the primary symptom of PTSD. Flashbacks are a handy tool in television shows and books for talking about something difficult a character experienced in the past by having them relive the events as though they are currently happening, but that doesn’t mean every real person with PTSD has flashbacks. Other PTSD symptoms a person may experience include intrusive memories, nightmares/difficulty sleeping, avoidance of anything that reminds them of the trauma, being jumpy, having negative mental changes, including hopelessness, memory and concentration issues, detachment, numbness, loss of interest in things they used to like, negative thoughts, and irritability
- When people say they are “triggered,” they are just being dramatic. While some people misuse “triggered” to mean that someone is easily offended, the true meaning of this word is far more complex. When a person with PTSD is triggered, they have encountered something that caused them to experience one of the symptoms listed above. It can be a very painful, frightening, and embarrassing experience.
- PTSD symptoms show up immediately following trauma. Every person with PTSD experiences it differently. Often, PTSD symptoms show up within three months of a traumatic event, but it may take longer for some people. Symptoms may also be continuous or they may come and go over time, as the person heals.
- PTSD symptoms go away on their own. This statement is not just false, but it is also potentially harmful because it could lead a person with PTSD away from getting the help they need and deserve. The faster a person gets therapy and support following a traumatic event, the less likely they are to develop PTSD. If they do develop PTSD, it is more likely to resolve quickly if they get professional help.
- PTSD does not have a cure. Therapy, medication, and support from family and friends are all very effective in addressing PTSD. Some of the most common therapies used to treat PTSD include talk therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, EMDR, and cognitive processing therapy.
- If you have PTSD, you will never live a normal life again. People with PTSD can and do work full-time jobs, raise families, and build healthy social networks. Managing PTSD symptoms does not need to prevent someone from living a great life.
- You can tell when people have PTSD. Maybe, if you knew someone before they had PTSD, you might be able to see a difference in them later. On the other hand, a lot of people with PTSD are highly effective at masking their symptoms and may also develop coping skills that help them manage their distress. There may not be obvious external signs of past trauma. This is why mental health professionals advocate for trauma-informed care, a practice that assumes anyone could have a trauma history and that providing a compassionate, safe environment benefits everyone.
At Highland Hospital, we treat children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with mental health concerns. Our services are trauma-informed, individualized, and grounded in evidence-based approaches. We have been serving West Virginia for more than sixty years.
