Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) happens to more than just war veterans—it can happen to anyone who undergoes a traumatic event at some point throughout their lives. Traumatic events can include car accidents, sexual assault, or living through a natural disaster. As a result of situations like these, individuals may have trauma responses to situations that remind them of that experience. Learning more about the root causes of PTSD can help you or your loved one find proper treatment and support.
PTSD is a disorder that happens to an individual who has experienced neurological changes due to a traumatic event. Over 3.5% of adults in the United States battle PTSD daily. Contrary to popular belief, this disorder does not only affect people who have experienced military combat.
People with PTSD may experience flashbacks or a flood of thoughts about a traumatic experience when triggered by something that reminds them of that experience. The flashbacks are nightmarish and can feel very real, making the individual struggling with PTSD feel as if they are back in that moment, re-experiencing trauma.
Trauma responses might lessen over time, but people with PTSD are survivors of scarring life situations, and they will likely have adverse reactions to things that remind them of their trauma most of their lives.
The initial cause of post-traumatic stress disorder is a direct result of a traumatic event. A single occurrence can leave a person with this unfortunate disorder for life. PTSD first changes the brain when such an event occurs. Stress responses in the brain occur in the prefrontal cortex and create lasting changes in neurological connections. Sometimes, co-occurring disorders can influence or be influenced by PTSD, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, anxiety disorder, and substance use disorder.
Individuals with PTSD can live a relatively normal life. This disorder usually does not affect people outside of re-triggering trauma. Depending on the cause of an individual's PTSD, reminders and triggers may come around often or very seldom. Some symptoms can include insomnia, night sweats, panic attacks, isolation, anger, and behavioral changes.
Since PTSD can happen to just about anyone and for many reasons, the severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe. There are five types of PTSD:
People with PTSD may experience sudden and unexpected triggers or long-term, frequently reoccurring triggers. Getting treatment promptly and adequately when one experiences high or traumatizing levels of stress should be a top priority. Many times, traumatic experiences don't have to develop into PTSD, as long as that person seeks treatment soon after. Avoiding the disorder is the best way to treat it. In any case, people with PTSD need lots of support, from therapists, recovery specialists if substance use has entered the situation, and, most importantly, friends and family. Recovery is only possible when individuals have supportive people around them to lean on.
PTSD does not happen to strictly veterans. It can happen to anyone who has experienced a traumatic event. Living with post-traumatic stress disorder is not easy, and without the proper treatment, the experience can worsen over time. PTSD is an ongoing disorder that can often come with other mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder. Finding the means to heal from PTSD and co-occurring disorders is challenging, but it is possible. Getting the right resources immediately can help mitigate the pain and decrease the symptoms of the disorder. If you struggle with PTSD or need more information on substance use recovery, getting help today is vital for you and your health. We want to help you or your loved one find the right way to cope with a traumatic event through quality treatment approaches with substance use recovery and co-occurring conditions. Reach out to NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400.
