Many times when post-traumatic stress disorder is brought up, it's in reference to war or on a tv show. Media coverage of it is usually negatory, depicting of violent behaviors and rampants amount of substance abuse. In reality, PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health disorder that affects over 3 million people in the United States annually. Common symptoms are: flashbacks of the trauma, nightmares, avoiding places or objects that are reminders of the experience, anger outburts, and paranoia. Due to the media's coverage of this mental illness, there are many misconceptioms surrounding it. Here are five of the most common myths of PTSD.
1. Only those who have served in the military can have PTSD
Many former and current members of the military do suffer from it, but that's not only who it applies to. People and children who have suffered from physical or sexual assault, natural disaster, abuse, accident, or any other life altering event have the potential to develop PTSD. According to the National Center of PTSD, around 7 people out of 100 will experience PTSD at one point during the span of their life. Veterans and those who suffered severe abuse are more likely to chronic PTSD compared to their counterparts.
2. Those with PTSD are a danger to those around them
This statement is mainly false, as it is dependent on the trauma the person has suffered through. The main reason it gets to this level is if the PTSD is left untreated after suffering a violenr trauma. In all honesty, victims of the disease are more likely to engage in self harm versus hurting another person. In a study done by Dr. Kim Gatz, out of the 61 participants who were also dependent on crack/cocaine, over 30% engaged in self harm. While violent outburts are a possibility, they are one of the less comoon symptoms.
3. PTSD is just a sign of mental weakness
This, unfortunately, is something that is highly perpetuated by older generations into younger generations. PTSD has nothing to do with mental weakness. Everyone processes information differently, thus meaning that between two people who suffered the same trauma, one of them can readjust to normal life while the other suffers from PTSD. There are many variables that dictate if a trauma will turn into PTSD, some of which being: severity and longevity of trauma, strong support system, and the brain's response to combat the stress. There are also risks such as inherited risks like depression and anxiety, as well as having a pre-existing mental or emotional health disorder, that can make it more likely to develop PTSD.
4. Children can't develop PTSD
Abuse and trauma doesn't stop for any age. Of the 3 million reports that Child Protection Services recieve, 30% have proof of abuse. Of this 30%, 65% is neglect, 18% is physical abuse, 10% is sexual abuse, and 7% is from psychological abuse. An even sadder fact is that it's thought two-thirds of child abuse cases are never reported. Rates of PTSD are higher for different types of trauma, but up to 15% of girls and 6% of boys will develop the mental disorder. Sadly enough, not all childhood traumas are dealt with until the person is an adult.
5. Those with PTSD show signs immediately
Symptoms usually show within 3 months of initial trauma, but can surface up to years later. To be diagnosed, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, an adult patient must show for at least: one re-experiencing symptom, one avoidancd symptom, two arousal and reactivity symptoms, and two cognition and mood symptoms for at least a month. Timing has no impact on the diagnosis, as it is dependent on each case.
PTSD is a serious issue and if you or anyome you know may have it, don't refuse to get help. Acknowledgment is the first step on the road to recovery.
