What is PTSD

By:Arya Jethwa

Imagine being stuck in a moment you never want to relive. Where your heart races, your hands shake, and your mind is replaying the worst moments of your life. That's what Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) feels like. PTSD affects millions of people around the world. According to the National Center for PTSD 6% of Americans will experience PTSD in their lifetime.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone witnesses or experiences a traumatic event. These events may include war, natural disasters, accidents, abuse and physical or sexual assault. While PTSD is often associated with soldiers, it can happen to anyone from children and teens to adults, regardless of age and background.

PTSD doesn't always occur right after a traumatic event occurs. It usually takes about a month for the symptoms to set in but sometimes it can take months or years before symptoms start to appear. Common symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and emotional numbness. People with PTSD might avoid certain situations or places that remind them of the traumatic event they experienced. These symptoms can disrupt daily life, work, and school.

It is important to understand that PTSD is not a sign of weakness or something someone can just “get over”. It is a real medical condition caused by how the brain processes fear or stress. This means that small triggers like a smell, a phrase, or a sound can lead to intense reactions. This makes everyday experiences feel overwhelming or even dangerous.

The good news is that PTSD is treatable. With the right support and treatment, many people see significant improvement. The most effective treatments include therapy, medication or a combination of both. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), especially a kind called  Trauma-Focused CBT helps patients regain their thoughts and process the trauma in a healthy way. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), is another common type of therapy and helps reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories. In other cases anti anxiety or antidepressants are used to help.

Living with PTSD can significantly impact someone's ability to function in their day to day activities. However with increased awareness and access to support they can manage their symptoms significantly and improve their quality of life.

Educating the public about PTSD is essential in reducing the stigma behind it and promoting early intervention. When people are informed about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options they are more likely to get the help they need. By approaching PTSD as a serious but treatable mental condition society can contribute to better mental health support for those who are affected.

Sources:

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Taylor-Desir, Monica. “What Is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?” American Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association, 2022, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd.

NHS. “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.” Nhs.uk, National Health Service, 13 May 2022, www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/overview/.

‌National Institute of Mental Health. “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health, Dec. 2024, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd.

NAMI. “Posttraumatic Stress Disorder | NAMI.” Www.nami.org, Dec. 2017, www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder/.

Mayo Clinic. “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Diagnosis and Treatment - Mayo Clinic.” Mayoclinic.org, Mayo Clinic, 16 Aug. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355973.

NHS. “Symptoms - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.” Nhs.uk, NHS, 2022, www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/symptoms/.

National Center for PTSD. “How Common Is PTSD in Adults?” U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 3 Feb. 2023, www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp.

“Fort Hood Study Shows Writing Therapy Is Highly Effective Treatment for PTSD.” TPR, 15 Jan. 2022, www.tpr.org/military-veterans-issues/2022-01-15/fort-hood-study-shows-writing-therapy-is-highly-effective-treatment-for-ptsd.