Myths And Facts Associated With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

While researching and studying mental health disorders, I found that people are confused between Post-traumatic Stress disorder and acute stress disorder. Though, the explanation and definitions around the two are completely different. Along with this, I have observed that people have really misunderstood the concept of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

To clear all the confusion regarding PTSD, I have mentioned all the myths and facts associated with Post-traumatic stress disorder in this blog so that people can actually seek support when the pain related to trauma becomes uncontrollable. So, let’s get started.

Myths And Facts About PTSD:

Myth 1: People who undergo any trauma will have post-traumatic stress disorder.

It is actually believed around the globe that people who experience trauma will have PTSD. This means PTSD can happen to anyone and it should be common. Meanwhile, the report says that only 10% of the population undergoes the diagnosis of PTSD.

Related Read: Effective Coping Strategies for PTSD

Fact 1: PTSD is experienced by those people who continuously re-experience the trauma in the form of flashbacks.

The most common symptom of PTSD is re-experiencing the trauma through PTSD flashbacks or nightmares. Some people are actually successful in avoiding the trauma; however, some people get stuck in the past and begin to develop negative feelings related to the trauma which results in PTSD.

Myth 2: Conditions like PTSD are only experienced by people who had terrible traumas.

People actually believe that deadly traumas or near-death experiences are the reason behind the development of PTSD. Common traumas or fears do not develop PTSD.

Related Read: 5 Treatment Techniques for PTSD

Fact 2: Anyone who has experienced trauma or serious injury might experience PTSD.

As per the DSM-5 model, trauma is defined as threatened or actual death or serious injury. If a person is not able to control his\her emotions related to fear, loss, or any kind of injury then it is considered as trauma. Additionally, psychologists stated, “We all perceive stressful incidents in our unique ways.” Abuse, violence, and accidents are all related to traumatic events for some people. Additionally, living in a dangerous neighborhood or experiencing any natural disaster are also considered traumatic events.

Moreover, factors like life experiences, physical ability, age, and living contributions are related to trauma. It really does not matter who you are, our brain reacts to situations in various psychological ways. Read more about PTSD and Trauma from here.

Myth 3: PTSD can be experienced by soldiers and army veterans only.

People also believe that most traumatic events are experienced by the army or soldiers therefore, PTSD can only happen to them. However, this is not at all justified, anyone can experience trauma and everyone has different ways to handle the situations. Therefore, PTSD can happen to anyone regardless of job, profile, age, sex, culture, and racism.

Fact 3: PTSD can happen to anyone after experiencing an uncontrolled or distressing event.

The fact is humans have similar brain structures, however; controlling emotions and feelings after experiencing a traumatic event is not the same for everyone. PTSD can happen in anyone who has experienced an uncontrolled or distressing event. Also, we cannot deny the fact that veterans have a high risk of developing PTSD but this does not mean that PTSD can happen only in veterans.

Fact is about 7 to 8 percent of the population is diagnosed with PTSD.  Additionally, females are more likely to experience PTSD than males.

Related Read: Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD

Myth 4: Strong people do not need any help related to the trauma.

This myth is the major reason behind the stigma that people who have a strong background or mental strength can easily fight with traumatic events. However, I think people nowadays have begun to change their thinking around this stigma.

Related Read: Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

Fact 4: PTSD and trauma do not develop according to the background, character, or mental strength.

The fact is that anyone can experience PTSD as everyone has different ways of handling their trauma, emotions, and thoughts. Factors supporting this fact are:

• The level of the stress and the severity of the trauma are associated with the traumatic event.
• Genetic brain neurotransmitter, wiring, and structure tell a lot about the personality and the level of the trauma.

I hope this blog helps you to understand the myths and facts associated with PTSD. Comment down and let us know if you are aware of any other myth related to PTSD. For more such content, follow Calm Sage on all social media platforms.

Thanks for reading