5 Myths Behind PTSD, Busted
PTSD.
These four letters are scarier than the condition itself, thanks to the myths that surround it.
Standing for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD is a common, albeit misunderstood, psychiatric condition occurring in those who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event.
In addition to being a travel blog, Moon Emissary aims to shatter misconceptions surrounding PTSD and create a space for discourse on trauma in the travel community.
Read on for some common myths about PTSD:
1. Only Veterans can Get PTSD
Trauma studies began in the military, but they don’t end with the military. Photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash
PTSD is associated with the military because trauma studies began after observing soldiers in both world wars. And while PTSD is common in veterans, know all PTSD sufferers are valid, as are all types of trauma. As the ultimate egalitarian, trauma and PTSD can happen to anyone, at any time.
Don’t believe me?
Just look at the statistics:
According to the Sidran Institute, an estimated 70% of adults in the United States have experienced a traumatic event at least once in their lives, and up to 20% of these adults go on to develop PTSD. The National Institute of Mental Health states that 6.8% of US adults will experience PTSD in their lifetimes and 3.6% of US adults had PTSD in the past year.
2. PTSD Means You’re Broken
“I love you because you’re broken,” a former friend remarked upon hearing me disclose my PTSD diagnosis.
Her statement left me feeling puzzled, as I believed (and still do) there was nothing broken about me. If you’re a trauma survivor grappling with the same, know there’s nothing “broken” about you either.
When applied to trauma survivors, “broken” is a nasty word, even if it comes from a well-meaning place. Because it insinuates that a person’s worth – their humanity – is defined by circumstances beyond their control.
At its core, PTSD is the brain’s response to trauma. It’s the name for miscommunication between the brain’s emotional and logical reasoning organs, and it’s the name for how miscommunication in the brain manifests as psychological and physiological symptoms in the brain’s owner.
Notice how the word “broken” is nowhere to be found? Because PTSD has nothing to do with being broken.
3. PTSD Means You’re Dangerous
Violence is not associated with PTSD. Photo by Eduardo Mallmann on Unsplash
You’ve probably seen it in movies. The Vietnam War veteran who harms his loved ones thanks to his PTSD.
While PTSD’s archetype makes for some quality entertainment, the reality, however, couldn’t be farther from the truth. According to researchers, less than 8% of PTSD sufferers commit violent behavior. If anything, PTSD sufferers pose a greater danger to themselves thanks to the following symptoms:
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Night terrors
Avoidance behaviors
Dissociation and flashbacks
Guilt
Shame
Though there are criminals who suffer from PTSD (and plenty of predators who use PTSD to excuse their abusive behavior), understand that violence, aggression, and impulsiveness are usually driven by another set of motivations. Motivations that don’t correlate with PTSD.
4. PTSD Means You’re Weak
PTSD is a sign of strength. Photo by Arleen wiese on Unsplash
All PTSD is caused by trauma, and all trauma causes PTSD symptoms. However, not all trauma survivors develop full-blown PTSD.
Surely, this means trauma survivors with PTSD are weak, right?
Not quite.
PTSD is the brain’s natural response to trauma, a response humans have no control over. And while factors such as genetics and family upbringing make one more susceptible to developing PTSD after trauma, PTSD does not indicate weakness.
Instead of weakness, I like to think PTSD indicates strength. It’s a badge of honor. It’s a battle scar. It’s proof that you’ve endured – that you’ve survived – unimaginable horrors and lived to tell the tale.
5. PTSD isn’t Treatable
Yoga and meditation are excellent tools for treating PTSD. Photo by madison lavern on Unsplash
PTSD has no cure, but don’t believe anyone who tells you PTSD isn’t treatable.
Trauma studies have come a long way since Sigmund Freud – since the 70s, mental health professionals have discovered treatments, treatments that can restore communication in the brain and reduce PTSD symptoms. These treatments will only improve with time.
Just as there are many ways to be traumatized, there are many ways to heal from traumatization and manage PTSD. And though recovery is a lifelong endeavor, one that means deliberate lifestyle choices, a healthy and fulfilling life is very much possible for trauma survivors with PTSD.