National PTSD Awareness Month: The Impact Of Traumatic Stress On Mental Health

Who can experience PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition people develop after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. While many veterans of combat and those in the armed services experience PTSD, any person is susceptible to developing this trauma and stressor-related condition. 

People of all ages who have closely encountered or experienced a traumatic event can develop PTSD. The following examples are possible causes:

• Directly experiencing a traumatic event or multiple traumatic events
• Witnessing a traumatic event (or multiple events) as it happened to someone else in person
• Learning about an accidental, violent, or life-threatening traumatic event that affected a close loved one
• Experiencing repeated exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event 

Traumatic events include but are not limited to, natural disasters, abuse, assault, violence, war, and car accidents. Not every individual who undergoes a traumatic event goes on to develop PTSD. However, experiencing trauma can have other impacts. 

PTSD signs and prevalence

Statistics indicate that 6.8% of adults in the United States meet the criteria for PTSD at some point during their life, and the same is true for 5% of adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 in the United States. However, it can be difficult to know exactly how many people live with PTSD, as not everyone reaches out for a diagnosis. Below are a few of the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. 

Intrusion symptoms 

Alongside the requirement that someone has been exposed to a traumatic event, for a diagnosis of PTSD to occur, one must experience one or more of the following intrusion symptoms affiliated with the traumatic event(s), starting after the occurrence: 

• Recurring, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event—In children over six, repetitive play may occur where the themes or aspects of the traumatic event or events are expressed.
• Recurrent and distressing dreams or nightmares related to the effect or content of a traumatic event
• Dissociative reactions, such as flashbacks, in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event or events were recurring
• Intense or prolonged psychological distress when met with exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble a part of the traumatic event or events
• Marked physiological (bodily) reactions when met with internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an element of the traumatic event or events

Avoidance symptoms 

In addition to the above criteria, one must experience persistent avoidance of stimuli affiliated with the traumatic event or events, starting after a traumatic event occurs, marked by at least one of the following:

• Avoidance of distressing thoughts, memories, or feelings closely affiliated with a traumatic event
• Avoidance of outward reminders that provoke distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely affiliated with a traumatic event, such as conversations, people, places, activities, objects, and situations that remind someone of a traumatic event

Cognitive and mood-related symptoms 

People with PTSD experience two or more negative alterations in cognition and mood following a traumatic event, marked by the following symptoms:

• Continuous, distorted cognitions about the cause or effects of the traumatic event (or events), sometimes leading to self-blame 
• An ongoing negative emotional state potentially marked by feelings of sadness, anger, horror, guilt, or shame
• An ongoing lack of positive emotions
• Difficulty remembering details of a traumatic event not explained by substance use
• Persistent and inflated negative beliefs about oneself, the world, or others 
• A lack of interest or participation in activities
• A belief that one is detached or estranged from other people

Hyperactivity symptoms 

In addition to the above categories, individuals must experience one or more of the following hyperactivity symptoms: 

• Hypervigilance
• An exaggerated startle response
• Irritability or angry outbursts
• Self-destructive or reckless behavior
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Sleep disturbances

Diagnostic requirements 

For a diagnosis, the above symptoms must last for one month or more and cause significant impairment in daily life, whether in social settings or at work, school, or home. 

The severity of PTSD can range, and some of the symptoms may overlap with other mental health conditions. If you believe you may be living with PTSD, a medical or mental health professional like a psychiatrist or therapist can help you explore the idea of diagnosis and treatment. 

Treatment options for PTSD

Despite a range of non-invasive treatments effective for PTSD, not everyone reaches out for help due to stigma, barriers to seeking care, or shame. For this reason, awareness can be an essential step for more people seeking help. Below are a few of the evidence-based treatments for PTSD: 

• Group therapy
• Prolonged exposure therapy
• Cognitive-processing therapy (CPT)
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive therapy
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
• Narrative exposure therapy (NET)

Play therapy for kids facing traumatic stress

For children with PTSD, age-appropriate modalities like play therapy may be used. If the first form of therapy or the first therapist you see is unsuitable, there are many other modalities to try. 

Medication in conjunction with other mental health treatment

With treatment, PTSD symptoms and overall quality of life may improve substantially. Medication can be used in conjunction with other treatments. However, consult your doctor before changing, stopping, or starting a medication. 

Support groups

Some people living with PTSD find support groups beneficial due to the option to work with a group with similar experiences without the threat of judgment or stigma. Support groups are often free, and while they do not replace professional intervention, they can help individuals talk with others diagnosed with the condition. 

How to get involved with PTSD Awareness Month

If you're interested in getting involved with PTSD Awareness Month, you might consider the following: 

• Participate in an event: PTSD awareness events may occur in person or online. For example, you might register for the virtual walk through the National Center for PTSD.
• Spread awareness: There are several misconceptions about PTSD, so spreading awareness can help reduce stigma. 
• Research PTSD: Learn the facts about PTSD and listen to other people's experiences with the condition.
• Implement screening tools: While they do not replace a professional diagnosis, online screenings are often available for free and could be an individual's first step to asking for help. One such screening is offered by Mental Health America. 
• Ask for help: If you notice PTSD symptoms or symptoms of another mental health condition, reach out for a professional consultation. 

How to find support for someone dealing with traumatic stress

A family doctor, a person with a degree in clinical psychology, clinical social workers, and other professionals who practice psychotherapy can treat post-traumatic stress disorder. While searching for the right professional support person, look for someone with a trauma-informed approach. 

If you cannot make an appointment with a therapist in-person due to transportation limitations or convenience, you can also consider online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. Benefits of internet-based therapy, such as cost, the ability to match with a professional faster, and the choice to meet with a provider from home, make online options popular. You can change therapists or cancel your plan at any point on many platforms. 

The efficacy of online therapy in treating mental health 

Several studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals that outline online therapy's efficacy and associated benefits. One study published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology theorized that limited contact with evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions for PTSD could be resolved by improving the availability of online cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions. The study involved ten patients who met the criteria for PTSD and were to receive a limited number of treatments via the internet. The study revealed that clients achieved clinically significant change and remission from post-traumatic stress disorder, with no clients dropping out of the program.  

Takeaway 

National PTSD Awareness Month brings awareness of the importance of diagnosis and intervention for those with PTSD. It also showcases how people can experience multiple types of traumas, not limited to war-related traumatic events. If you're looking for support with PTSD, several options are available. Consider contacting a therapist to get started.