More information on PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder, is available than ever before. Still, millions of people are living in a myth shrouded darkness regarding the complex mental illness.
PTSD is only experienced by people who witness gruesome violence: When PTSD was finding its early foundation of understanding, it was through combat war veterans who were coming home from their service. For many years it was believed that the trauma could only be caused by witnessing gruesome violence, like combat veterans did. However, psychological and psychiatric professionals alike, as well as researchers started to realize civilians were displaying similar symptoms in response to different life events. Soon it was concluded that PTSD can happen to anyone, that trauma can happen to anyone, and that trauma is different for everyone as is the way everyone responds to trauma.PTSD happens to adults old enough to understand what has happened to them: Children are incredibly resilient, teenagers are moody, and young adults can be full of angst. Generational characterizations has for centuries minimized the emotional experiences of certain age groups. Adults are quick to assume that children don’t know what is going on around them and aren’t affected by anything. Many adults who are diagnosed with PTSD have unresolved and untreated trauma issues stemming from their childhood. PTSD can take time to onset. In addition, coping mechanisms can be strong in compartmentalizing difficult memories and enabling denial. Trauma will eventually manifest.PTSD includes the same symptoms for all people who live with it: How trauma manifests is different for each person because each person’s trauma is unique. Trauma can be defined as any life events which negatively influence the way someone sees themselves, the world they live in, and the way they fit into that world. Though there are many symptoms of trauma which are common and shared, they exponentially vary from one person to the next, which can make spotting trauma or PTSD very difficult.PTSD is easy to spot in people: The combat veteran stereotype of PTSD diminishes the many subtle, unspoken ways trauma and PTSD can manifest for people. People live with trauma locked away in the closets of their minds for years, developing high functioning coping mechanisms which eliminate any reason to suspect struggles with mental health.PTSD makes people “crazy”: PTSD can result in psychiatric responses like dissociative identity disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis. However, none of these mental illness are “insanity”. Too frequently, mental illness is associated as “crazy”. People who live with trauma, PTSD, or any other mental health issue are not crazy.PTSD can’t be cured: Currently, there is no “cure” for any mental health issue. There are, on the other hand, numerous treatments and therapies which are proven to reduce the severity of symptoms or put them into remission entirely. Though there is no “cure” there is hope for a brighter future by seeking treatment and healing the mind, body, and spirit.
The Guest House Ocala offers residential treatment programs for trauma, addictions, and related mental health issues. Call us today for information on our specialized care programs: 1-855-483-7800