As many people refer to it, post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental illness that can be life-consuming if left untreated. It can engulf the person suffering, making it hard to work, have relationships, or maintain daily life.
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a severe accident, an act of terrorism, war, combat, or rape, to name just a few.
Although many people have PTSD, there is a lot of misinformation that circulates about this disorder. It can be difficult for those who are lucky enough to have never experienced PTSD to fully grasp what it is like. Many myths exist about the disorder, including the ones described in the following paragraphs.
Myth #1: Only Soldiers Get PTSD
Often, people act as if only individuals who have experienced war or combat get PTSD. Many people are diagnosed with PTSD who have never experienced war or combat. Many different scenarios could result in someone developing PTSD.
Myth #2: PTSD Means You Are Weak
PTSD does not mean you are weak; It means you have experienced a traumatic event. When we experience trauma, we are affected by it. How one person is affected by a situation will be different than how someone else would be affected by the same experience. Working with a mental health professional will help you better understand why you feel this way and why you react to certain situations the way you do.
Myth #3: People With PTSD Are Dangerous
Individuals who have PTSD have experienced an event that has changed their life. They are no more dangerous than any other person. Those diagnosed with this disorder may present unique symptoms and express themselves in unique ways as they work through their trauma. They should not, however, be treated differently than anyone else.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an illness that can be life-consuming if left untreated. Working with a professional is key to better understanding what you specifically are going through. We are all different and will work through trauma in different ways. Here at The Guest House, we understand that taking that first step to receive help can be stressful and overwhelming. We are ready to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about treatment and begin your journey of healing and recovery. Call us today at (855) 483-8700 to learn more about our treatment options. We can help you with your situation.