Myth or Fact
Just like humans, animals can experience the symptoms of PTSD
Fact! Some animals can experience anxiety, depression, and fear responses following traumatic events
Who experiences PTSD more often, men or women?
Women
Name 1 clincal treatment for PTSD
Medication to manage symptoms, psychtherapy like EMDR and CBT
What causes stigma?
Name one coping skill that you personally use in your life to cope with stress
About 90% of people who experience trauma develop PTSD
Myth - Only about 20% of people who experience trauma develop PTSD
True or false: PTSD is experienced by 50% to 75% of survivors of domestic violence
True. In particular, many of these victims have CPTSD because of repeated/long-term trauma
What's one thing people with PTSD can do to support their physical health?
Maintain a healthy schedule of eating, sleeping, and exercise. Connect with friends and family. Avoid using substances to cope. Practice mindfulness. Seek treatment
Name 1 consequence of stigma about trauma
Feeling shame or guilt, avoiding seeking treatment, avoiding talking to loved ones about your experience, substance use, isolation, additional mental health challenges
What's one thing you learned today?
Great job!
You can be traumatized by simply hearing about a traumatic event
Fact! This is known as secondary trauma and can happen to family members, therapists, and healthcare workers
True or false: rate of PTSD is similar in adults and children
True!
Explain why personal safety is so important for survivors of trauma
To help reduce stress and prevent additional traumas. People are better able to process the experience when they know that they and their loved ones are safe.
Why do you think it's important to reduce stigma about PTSD and trauma?
Thank you for sharing!
Have you ever tried EMDR therapy? If not, is it something that would interest you?
As always, only answer when you feel comfortable. You can always say "pass"
Thank you for sharing!
Everyone experiences flashbacks with PTSD
Myth. Some people experience memories rather than flashbacks, and others have no flashbacks or memories at all
What percentage of the US population experiences PTSD in a given year?
About 4%
Name 2 possible medications that can treat PTSD
SSRIs, mood stabilizers, medication to reduce nightmares, antipsychotic, antianxiety
What do you think "self-stigma" means?
Internalized negative beliefs about oneself, such as feeling weak, crazy, or responsible for the trauma
What is one thing you can do to support people in your life who have trauma/PTSD?
Supporting our loved ones is one way to destigmatize mental health and build community. Great job!
PTSD is a lifelong condition
Myth! PTSD is treatable. Many people with PTSD resolve their symptoms within a year of treatment.
Name 2 jobs that are associated with higher risk of PTSD
Military and first responders
What does EMDR stand for?
This is a hard one! Eye-movement Desensitization and reprocessing
Name one thing you can do to reduce stigma about PTSD and trauma.
What is one thing you wish other people knew about trauma and/or PTSD?
As always, only answer when you feel comfortable. You can always say "pass"
Thank you for sharing with us!