Why is raising awareness about PTSD important?
Some people with PTSD do not realize they have this condition. They may blame themselves for their difficulties or feel embarrassed that they are not “coping better”. Friends and family may be confused about why their loved one who has experienced trauma seems withdrawn, irritable, or distracted. Some people with PTSD may live or work in situations where acknowledging symptoms is frowned upon or punished.
Learning coping strategies to manage symptoms and gaining validation from compassionate others can nurture us to overcome this silencing and move towards empowerment.
How can psychotherapy help reduce symptoms of PTSD?
Trauma-focused psychotherapy is an effective form of treatment for people with PTSD. This is a form of talk therapy that helps individuals to better understand the thoughts they have surrounding their traumatic event. When unhelpful thoughts such as self-blame or shame are identified, I can help my clients to shift their cognitive patterns. This type of therapy can help individuals better understand and manage traumatic memories.
Please honor what your mind and body tell you. Sometimes people who have experienced trauma will discount their experiences with thoughts like “my trauma is not as bad as others,” “maybe it was my fault,” or “I just need to snap out of it.” These are harmful myths.
Please know that developing symptoms of PTSD is not a sign of weakness.
Please know that help is available and there is hope of feeling better.
Please know that you are not alone in your struggles.
Deborah A. O'Donnell, PhD
is a licensed psychologist in Maryland (#03958)
Dr. O'Donnell earned a PhD at
Yale University
Dr. O'Donnell completed a doctoral internship at
Children's National Medical Center
What does PTSD look like?
Although PTSD can present differently in each of us, there are some common components that represent core symptoms. These include:
Hypervigilance/difficulty relaxing/easily startled
Flashbacks (feeling like the traumatic event is happening again), unwanted memories of the trauma
Difficulty sleeping, nightmares
Emotional detachment, including difficulty experiencing love or enjoyment
Avoiding thoughts, people, or settings that remind us of the traumatic event
Persistent negative beliefs about ourselves, others, or the world around us (for example, “I am bad” or “no one can be trusted.”)
Difficulty remembering key aspects of the traumatic event
Irritability, aggression
PTSD reactions can begin immediately following a traumatic event, although sometimes symptoms do not appear until months or years later.
It is not uncommon for individuals with PTSD to turn to alcohol or other drugs to manage their symptoms. This creates a negative cycle where friends and family are pushed away, and problems with functioning in everyday life are made worse.
References
NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp
WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/post-traumatic-stress-disorder
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops in some people who have experienced a traumatic event. Traumatic events are defined as situations that involve exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
PTSD can unfold in anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, although not everyone who faces trauma will develop this condition. Examples of traumatic events include, but are not limited to, war combat, sexual assault, abuse, car accident, natural disaster, or medical emergency.
People of all ages, including children, can develop PTSD.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD states that approximately 6 out of every 100 (6%) people in the U.S. will have PTSD at some point in their lives. They report that about 8 of every 100 women develop PTSD sometime in theirlives compared to about 4 of every 100 men. It is difficult to know the true prevalence of this disorder since many people who suffer with symptoms do not seek treatment.
Some helping professionals such as psychologists, physicians, and social workers, as well as first responders like emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or police officers, can develop secondary trauma from helping people with PTSD. Secondary trauma may happen through repeated exposure to listening to the details of individuals’ traumatic experiences or being present in the aftermath of traumatic events.
Each month I use this space to feature a mental health theme:
Did you know that June is
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month?
Dr. O'Donnell accepts:
Medicare
Tricare/Humana Military
Dr. O'Donnell is an out-of-network provider for other health insurance companies
Insurance
Education
Training
Dr. O'Donnell completed clinical training at Yale University:
-Center for Anxiety and Mood Disorders
-Center for Eating and Weight Disorders
-Child Study Center
-Parenting Center