PTSD: Myths and Facts
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a serious mental health condition that affects approximately 3.5 percent of adults in the United States each year. Approximately 1 in 11 people will meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD at some point in their lifetime*. Despite this prevalence, PTSD has historically been poorly understood, and many misconceptions about PTSD persist to this day. At the societal level, the misconceptions about PTSD can result in increased stigma and may erode support for the many who struggle with PTSD. At the individual level, myths about PTSD can serve to perpetuate suffering by creating mental barriers to recovery. This is precisely why understanding the reality of PTSD is so crucial.
Myth: PTSD only impacts combat veterans.
Fact: PTSD can affect anyone.
PTSD develops in the aftermath of a traumatic experience. Military combat is one example of trauma; however, trauma comes in many forms and is not exclusive to military combat. PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic event, such as a car accident, natural disaster, physical assault, or any other life-altering experience.
Myth: People with PTSD never get better.
Fact: Treatment for PTSD is highly effective.
PTSD is a treatable condition. With the right therapy, support, and coping strategies, individuals with PTSD can significantly improve their quality of life and experience symptom relief. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and The Unified Protocol are examples of therapeutic approaches that have been found to be effective at substantially reducing PTSD symptoms.
Myth: Talking about trauma makes it worse.
Fact: Talking about trauma in a supportive, validating environment is a part of the recovery process.
Discussing traumatic experiences with a trained therapist can be a vital step in the healing process. It helps individuals process their emotions, gain perspective, and develop healthy coping skills. Traumatic experiences cause a variety of natural emotions that must be processed in order to move forward. By avoiding discussing traumatic experience, processing of natural emotions is impeded, and symptoms continue (see my blog post, The Avoidance Trap for more on this topic). Discussing the trauma may be difficult in the short-term, but uncovering and processing the emotions stemming from the trauma promotes wellbeing in the long-term. In this way, you can think of trauma therapy as similar to surgery – initially painful, but necessary to heal.
Myth: PTSD is a sign of weakness
Fact: PTSD is not a sign of weakness. Seeking help demonstrates courage.
PTSD is a psychological response to a traumatic event, and it has nothing to do with personal strength or weakness. It can affect even the most resilient individuals. Seeking help for PTSD is a sign of courage, not weakness. It takes strength to acknowledge and address the impact of trauma.
Dispelling the myths and promoting a better understanding of PTSD is essential to prevention and treatment efforts. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, seeking professional help is a courageous step toward recovery. Healing is possible.
*Information on the prevalence of PTSD obtained from the American Psychiatric Association.
