Shedding Light on PTSD

People with PTSD are often told to “get over it” as if it is something that they can control. When we are uneducated on the real struggles others face, we contribute to their suffering, even when we might be well-intentioned. We must educate ourselves, not just so that we can positively impact those around us when they struggle with their mental health, but so that we can know that we are not overreacting when we go through something ourselves.

What People Think PTSD Is

Being Mentally Stuck after an Event

There is some element of truth to this because some people do find it hard to move on after experiencing a traumatic event. However, it is more complex than simply being stuck mentally. PTSD affects our body and emotions, making it hard to simply move on as much as we would like to. It doesn’t help the person suffering from PTSD to have their experience reduced to simply being “stuck.”

Something That Only Affects Veterans

Research into PTSD was first officially done in the context of working with war veterans, who frequently experience PTSD. However, it does not only affect veterans. There is no way to classify the trauma that results in PTSD. Anyone exposed to trauma for whatever amount of time might experience PTSD.

A Response Triggered by Loud Noises

Again, there is some truth to this thought, though it fails to grasp the full concept of PTSD. People with PTSD often experience anxiety and panic attacks, and these are triggered by any number of things. Often, it is physical stimuli related to the trauma they experienced. This could mean loud noises, but it might also be certain environments, a smell, a specific type of music, or an abstract memory that pops into their head unrelated to anything.

A Type of Stress that Will Pass in Time

PTSD, like so many other mental health issues, is not something people just get over in time. You have to put the work into healing. This could mean educating yourself on the issue, finding a support group, speaking with a counselor about it, developing a practical form of self-help, and giving yourself grace as you heal.

What PTSD Actually Is

Emotional Distresss

In its simplest form, PTSD is a type of ongoing distress where the person feels helpless and frustrated. PTSD can be debilitating because it affects people on a physical, emotional, and mental level. It can be hard to understand and even harder to try and control.

Low Self-Esteem

When people suffer from something that others don’t understand, it affects their self-esteem. They might feel as if they are being melodramatic or weak for experiencing anxiety and distress over events that have passed. They are likely to withdraw from people and friends who don’t understand or who treat their distress with contempt.

Unwanted Memories and Intrusive Thoughts

PTSD is our body’s response to physical danger or emotional turmoil. Even when we have left the traumatic events behind us, our minds recall the experience, and the memories make us feel as if we are still in danger. If there was a switch that simply turned off memories, things would be much simpler, but unfortunately, there isn’t.

Physical Pain

We feel our emotions as physical sensations. Joy can feel like butterflies in our stomach. Anxiety can feel like a weight on our chest. Fear is felt in sweats and increased breathing. We mostly carry trauma in the form of muscle stiffness, migraines, and aches in our joints. PTSD can be a physically painful experience.

Dissociation

A natural defense mechanism for coping with PTSD is to dissociate from the present moment. People might “zone out,” fail to concentrate, or seem like they are a million miles away while nothing much is happening in their thoughts. In the context of work or spending time with a loved one, this can have serious consequences.

Besides these things, PTSD also manifests as sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, flashbacks, self-blame, hypervigilance, and mistrust.

Christian Trauma Counseling in Stone Oak, Texas

If you or someone you love is dealing with PTSD, it might be helpful to meet with a Christian counselor in Stone Oak, Texas. Your counselor will provide safe and confidential spaces for you to share your struggles and provide resources in the form of professional hands-on experience. If you are ready to take the next step, contact our office today at Texas Christian Counseling, Stone Oak for more information or to set up an appointment.