Description
What is PTSD in simplest form?
A mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
Can I help a loved-one with PTSD?
Yes and no. Assessment and counseling by a professional can make a critical difference in recovery. You can encourage the person to talk to a doctor or a trained mental health professional. You can also help by being a supportive listener, without attempting to "fix" the situation.
How many adults in the United States have PTSD?
13 Million - 2024
Do you have to experience the event to get PTSD?
No. Even just witnessing a traumatic event can cause PTSD.
Brevyn was in a brutal car crash on the highway 13 while driving to Culvers. He survived but had many serious injury's. Now, 1 week later, he is very anxious and alert. He says he doesn't get much sleep and acts very jumpy. How could you help him?
Talk to him about seeing a therapist or psychiatric professional before symptoms become worse
What are the characteristics someone else can see in a person struggling?
Some symptoms you may see in a person are most commonly heightened reactivity, negative change in mood, anxiety, and avoidance of trauma related triggers or conversations. They can also fight against sleeplessness, be dehydrated and/or numb, feel nauseous, and can easily be startled. Uncontrollable shaking episodes, chills or heart palpitations, and headaches are also signs of PTSD
Can medication truly help a person with PTSD?
Yes, medication can be a helpful part of treating PTSD, but it's not a stand-alone solution. The National Institutes of Health states that while medication can't replace psychological treatment, it can be helpful for certain situations, such as providing temporary relief from severe symptoms or long-term relief of PTSD symptoms.
What is the risk percentage for military servicemen to develop PTSD?
Around 10%-30% of military workers will experience PTSD in their lifetime.
Only veterans can get PTSD
Wrong. PTSD can form from ANY traumatic event. This can include living through dangerous events/natural disasters, severe injury, witnessing death, accidents, abuse, and severe bullying.
Ashley was in the military 20 years ago. She says that she still remembers the stresses of the job and constantly have nightmares. She also mentions how she feels numb and alone but doesn't think she has PTSD because she didn't go through anything like a war. What do you say?
PTSD can develop from any traumatic event including service jobs like the military. Traumatic events impact everyone differently and she should talk with her doctor to look into her next logical step to recovering
What are the possible origins of the disorder according to bio-psycho-social factors?
Bio=Brain structure and its functions/areas of the brain related to memory, fear, and stress responses.
Psycho=Experiencing/witnessing a traumatic event that overwhelms a persons ability to cope.
Social=Social movements and protests, including veterans, survivors of abuse, and survivors of dangerous events.
What are resources for people with PTSD?
The Crisis Text Line
National Center for PTSD
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
American Psychiatric Association
What is the #1 cause of PTSD
Abuse and Assault
PTSD develops due to weakness
False. Developing PTSD doesn't mean a person is weak. It is a natural human response to traumatic experiences to develop PTSD While not everyone who goes through a traumatic event will develop PTSD, certain factors can determine the risk of developing PTSD. This includes,
-The severity of the event
-The existing neurobiology, or presence of other mental health conditions
-Duration/time of the event
-The presence or lack of support
Yes
Symptoms of PTSD are immediate?
No. Symptoms may take hours to weeks to develop depending on the person.
70%
People with PTSD are dangerous
Wrong. This stigma originates from Hollywood’s representation of mental illness. There are plenty of scenes with soldiers struggling with the condition becoming triggered by something small and becoming violent toward their loved ones. These depictions create a stigma that everyone with PTSD is dangerous and poses a risk to the general public if they become triggered. However in reality, the people with PTSD are often the ones who are the victims.
During the Derecho, Paul had lost parts of his home and was emotionally rattled by the storm. Could he be able to develop PTSD?
Yes. National disasters that take away loved items and ruin things precious to others can cause trauma.
True or False: 1-13 people will develop PTSD of some degree in their lifetime?
True.
PTSD can't be treated
False. Some believe that PTSD can’t be treated and that individuals are stuck with the condition for the rest of their life. However, many treatments can help improve a person’s well-being and alleviate symptoms. Including,
-Psychotherapy
-Exposure therapy
-Medication
-Support groups