PTSD 101
What does PTSD stand for?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
This symptom can include unwanted memories, nightmares, or flashbacks about a traumatic event.
Intrusion symptoms
Someone notices they are becoming overwhelmed and uses breathing to calm themselves.
Green Flag
PTSD only happens to military veterans.
Myth - PTSD can occur after many types of traumatic experiences.
This simple technique involves taking slow, controlled breaths to help your body calm down.
Deep Breathing
False
Avoiding people, places, conversations, or activities that remind someone of the trauma is an example of what?
Avoidance.
Someone avoids everyone and refuses to talk to anyone whenever they feel upset.
Red Flag
Everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD.
Myth - People respond to trauma differently.
Someone is having a flashback and reminds themselves, "I am safe right now. That happened in the past." What coping skill are they using?
Grounding/self-talk
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing what type of event?
A traumatic or extremely stressful event.
Feeling emotionally numb, hopeless, detached, or having difficulty experiencing positive emotions can be a symptom of what?
Negative changes in thoughts and mood.
Someone uses alcohol or drug to numb difficult emotions or trauma-related memories.
Red Flag
Someone with PTSD can look completely fine on the outside while still experiencing significant symptoms.
Fact
Name three healthy coping strategies someone could use when experiencing PTSD symptoms.
Deep breathing, grounding, exercise, journaling, talking to someone, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or seeking professional support.
True or False: PTSD is a sign that someone is weak or unable cope.
False. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after trauma and is not a sign of weakness.
Changes in arousal and reactivity.
Someone uses grounding techniques, such as identifying things they can see, hear, and feel, when experiencing a flashback or feeling overwhelmed.
Green Flag
Talking about a traumatic experience always makes PTSD worse.
Myth - Trama-focused treatment can help people process traumatic experiences safely.
True or False: Avoiding every situation that causes discomfort is always the best way to cope with PTSD symptoms.
False: Avoidance can sometimes maintain or worsen PTSD symptoms.
What are the four major symptom categories of PTSD?
Intrusion/re-experiencing, avoidance, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and changes in arousal/reactivity.
A flashback/re-experiencing the trauma.
Someone believes they should "just get over it" and refuses support because asking for help means they are weak.
Red Flag
PTSD symptoms can affect a person's sleep, mood, relationships, concentration, and daily functioning.
Fact
Someone feels overwhelmed by a reminder of their trauma. Instead of using substances, they listen to music and practice deep breathing. Is this a healthy coping strategy?
Yes - Green Flag