PTSD Doesn’t Only Affect Soldiers - It Could Affect You Too

 Many people associate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with combat soldiers. But there are many sufferers of PTSD that were never in the military. Any traumatic event can result in PTSD.

The ability to deal with trauma and stress varies greatly from person to person. While some people have a great deal of resilience and can handle nearly any event without long-term effects, others will struggle more to process a traumatic experience and have more difficulty moving on with their lives following the event.

PTSD is much more common than most people realize! According to the National Center for PTSD, about 6% of the US population will have PTSD at some point in their lives. 

Serious PTSD symptoms include:

• Flashbacks or other forms of reliving the event. These can include bad dreams or nightmares, recurring intrusive thoughts, or being triggered by anything that reminds the sufferer of the traumatic event. Physical symptoms are usually experienced, including physical pain, sweating, and trembling.

• It’s possible to even see the traumatic event as if it is happening all over again. This is generally what is known as a “flashback.”

• Hyper vigilance. This is an over-alertness in anticipation of possible danger, for example: scanning crowds for dangerous people, sitting in a certain place at home to avoid being seen through any windows, or an over-reliance on weapons in case the home is suddenly invaded by bad guys.

  • The person suffering from hyper vigilance is consumed with the idea that something bad is going to happen. So, they’re always prepared for the worst, even if the worst has little chance of ever occurring. This can look like paranoia to the casual observer.

• Disturbed sleep. Insomnia is a common symptom in those with PTSD. Nightmares and night sweats can also occur. It’s not easy to sleep when you have post-traumatic stress disorder.

• Irritability and aggressive behavior. Those with PTSD are often easily agitated and are prone to over-reacting with aggression.

• Altered thoughts. This may take the form of believing that the sufferer is bad or that all people are bad. Feelings of guilt, shame, and anger are also common.

 Because of the impacts of PTSD, therapy is part of car accident treatment. Therapists address physical and emotional trauma through psychological and physical therapy. Comprehensive care plans are tailored, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery. These plans may also include medication management and vision therapy to support overall well-being. Monitor progress and adjust treatments as necessary. 

These symptoms can range from annoying to life-altering. At the most extreme, sufferers of PTSD are unable to work and pose a serious threat to themselves and others. Suicide is common in the most extreme cases, and folks with PTSD may be at a higher risk of harming others as well.

There are many possible causes of PTSD outside of combat:

• Sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is more common in children than any of us would like to acknowledge. This is a powerful trauma that many victims struggle to process effectively.

• Emotional abuse. The mind can only take so much abuse before it changes in a negative way. Emotional abuse can have effects that last years after the abuse. This can happen in adults, as well as children.

• Physical abuse or other violence. Regular physical abuse can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. It’s also possible for single events to result in PTSD. This can include being the victim of a violent crime such as robbery or rape.

• Stressful experience. It could be a car accident, almost falling off a cliff, the health issues of a loved one, or seeing someone suffer an injury or die. Nearly anything that creates a strong stress response can cause PTSD.

• Mental illness. Many mental illnesses can be stressful. They can also make the sufferer much more susceptible to stressful events.

PTSD is a common challenge, even among those that have never served in the military or with the police.

Trauma can be found nearly anywhere in society.

People of color and women have the highest rates of PTSD in the US.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, know that help is available to you. Schedule a free first session with myself or the team at Sunshine City Counseling in St. Petersburg, FL to explore your options and get some much-needed relief. It is helpful, when looking for a counselor, that they either specialize or have experience in treating people who have PTSD or a history of traumatic experiences. One well researched type of therapy for PTSD is EMDR – schedule a free first session with Lindsey - who is trained in EMDR - to learn more.