5 Factors For Developing PTSD That Can Affect Anyone
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects approximately 6% of the adult population at some point in life, according to the National Center for PTSD. PTSD can occur after a traumatic event and is typically characterized by intense fear, intrusive thoughts, and a number of other mental and physical symptoms.
Trauma can occur after a variety of circumstances (e.g., natural disasters, crime) and in several different ways (e.g., experiencing the event, witnessing the event).
PTSD symptoms and causes
Symptoms of PTSD are divided into four categories:
- Intrusion/re-experiencing symptoms
- Avoidance symptoms
- Effects on cognition and mood
- Reactivity/arousal symptoms
While these are primarily mental/emotional, they can also lead to physical symptoms like gastrointestinal distress, headaches, and trouble sleeping. An individual typically needs to have at least one symptom each from the intrusion and avoidance categories and at least two symptoms each from the cognition/mood and reactivity categories in order for a diagnosis of PTSD to be considered.
Five types of traumatic events that can be PTSD risk factors
PTSD can significantly impact daily functioning and well-being and typically won’t resolve without treatment. However, it’s estimated that only half of individuals with severe PTSD symptoms seek treatment. That’s why awareness of the key signs of this condition can be important—especially since they may include suicidal thoughts, substance misuse, and other very serious situations.
1. War
When thinking of those who are more likely to develop PTSD, combat veterans are often the first group that comes to mind. The effects of being placed in a highly stressful environment such as a war zone can be harmful to a person’s mental health in many ways. The US Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that around 7% of veterans will experience PTSD at some point in their lifetime.
Of course, war can prompt a trauma response in people who aren’t military members as well. Living in or near a war zone can cause trauma and PTSD for civilians too. Even those who haven’t been in or near a conflict area can experience trauma related to war or another event dealing with combat or armed conflict. Being repeatedly exposed to scenes of violence via TV or other outlets—particularly if it’s related to your job, as in the case of journalists—has also been linked to PTSD symptoms.
2. Domestic violence
It’s estimated that a significant percentage of those who report domestic violence have PTSD—and many instances of domestic violence go unreported. Note that domestic violence is a broader term than “intimate partner violence,” which refers to abuse that happens between romantic and/or sexual partners—though this can also lead to PTSD. Domestic violence can occur between parents, children, siblings, and any others who may be living in the same home. PTSD can also develop after witnessing domestic violence, not just experiencing it directly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in seven children has experienced abuse or neglect over the past year. Individuals who experience domestic violence during childhood may be at high risk for developing chronic post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, which may go untreated for many years due to a lack of reporting.
3. Sexual assault
Experiences of sexual violence are another type of traumatic experience also associated with a high risk of PTSD as well as other mental health problems like depression. In a meta-analysis of studies on the topic, it’s suggested that nearly 75% of people who experienced sexual assault met the criteria for PTSD a month after the event. Although women are more likely to experience sexual assault, keep in mind that it can be inflicted upon a person of any gender or sexuality.
4. Major accidents
Living through or witnessing a serious car crash, workplace accident, natural disaster, or other dangerous event can put someone at risk for developing PTSD as well. Avoidance symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can be particularly severe in those who survive an accident. For example, a survivor of a car accident might be reluctant to drive or be in a moving vehicle at all.
Workplace accidents or instances of violence are another common source of PTSD. They may affect people working in potentially dangerous situations, such as construction workers, or those who may encounter violence, such as those working in nightlife or law enforcement.
5. Other violent crimes
Although crime rates have fallen in general over the past few decades throughout much of the world, violent crimes can still occur in a variety of circumstances. Examples can include living through or witnessing a robbery, assault, murder, or other dangerous events. Research suggests that one in seven people who experience a violent crime will show symptoms related to PTSD.
Treatment options for post-traumatic stress disorder
While post-traumatic stress disorder can cause potentially debilitating symptoms and impair an individual’s ability to function, effective treatment is available. Treatment for PTSD typically includes some form of psychotherapy, sometimes in combination with medication. The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends four main types of therapy for PTSD:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive processing therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Prolonged exposure
The APA also provides conditional recommendations for three other types of therapy for those living with PTSD:
- Brief eclectic psychotherapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy
- Narrative exposure therapy
Finally, the APA conditionally recommends specific medications that may be prescribed to individuals with PTSD to be used in conjunction with therapy. These include certain types of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and one type of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Always consult with your doctor or psychiatrist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Connecting with a therapist to address PTSD symptoms
Meeting with a qualified therapist is usually the recommended first step for those experiencing symptoms of PTSD. They can evaluate what you’re experiencing and recommend treatment accordingly. Even if you’re not experiencing signs of PTSD, a therapist can help you process and address any past experiences of trauma in order to improve your mental health and well-being. Either way, they can offer you a safe space to express your feelings related to the event(s) and learn a coping strategy or strategies that may help.
Speaking about past trauma can be difficult, and some people may find it even harder to do with a care provider face to face. In cases like these, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be a more comfortable option for receiving treatment. You can get matched with a licensed therapist automatically and meet with them via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging from the comfort of home.
A growing number of studies and clinical trials suggest that online therapy may help individuals effectively manage symptoms of a variety of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder. For instance, the findings of one meta-analysis of clinical trials examining the efficacy of online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for PTSD suggest that this type of treatment can help decrease symptoms. CBT is a therapeutic method that can help a person learn to recognize and shift distorted or negative thoughts, decrease extra stress, and focus on more positive emotions and thoughts.
Takeaway
How do individuals cope and manage the impact of trauma?
Individuals can cope with the effects of trauma in different ways. Some might learn certain strategies to manage traumatic event avoidance symptoms, such as staying away from reminders of the trauma or seeking out talk therapy to process the events. Others may find assistance through social support networks, including friends, family, and support groups. Clinical trials have shown that therapy, mental health services, and self-care strategies can be effective in managing stress from trauma.
What risk factor increases the likelihood of developing PTSD?
What healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms do people use to process their trauma?
After experiencing a traumatic event, people may use several coping mechanisms. Healthy ways to cope might include seeking mental health services, practicing mindfulness, and getting regular exercise. Unhealthy coping mechanisms might involve substance abuse, withdrawing from social activities, and ignoring ongoing trauma. Managing trauma in an unhealthy way may result in a cycle of extreme fear and reactivity symptoms that become increasingly difficult to break.
What are some healthy coping mechanisms to use for stress in daily life challenges or to create positive mental health?
Healthy ways to cope with daily stress and improve mental health can include keeping a routine with physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. Talk therapy and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can also be beneficial. Many people may find that connecting with a supportive social network can also help support a healthy mindset.
What is the difference between problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping?
Problem-focused coping involves taking active steps to remove or reduce the cause of stress. It might include seeking mental health professionals' advice or creating a plan to tackle a stressful work project. Emotion-focused coping is directed toward managing the emotional response to stress. This way of coping might include seeking social support or doing activities that promote a positive mood. Both strategies can be helpful and used in combination to effectively manage stress.
What is the best way to defend the body from the harmful effects of stress?
Some of the best ways to defend the body from stress include using various approaches like regular exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate rest, and mindfulness practices. Being proactive by using mental health services for stress management education and support can also be helpful. Some people may find that a strong network of social support and early management can greatly reduce the harmful effects of stress.
What are reasons that effective stress management is important?
Effective stress management is important because chronic stress may lead to various physical and mental health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, anxiety disorders, and depression. Stress can also impair a person’s ability to function in daily life, affect the quality of relationships, and reduce overall life satisfaction. Individuals can improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of developing a mental health condition by effectively managing stress.
When should someone talk to a mental health professional about unwelcome thoughts or emotions?
An individual should talk to a mental health professional about unwelcome thoughts or emotions when these thoughts and emotions begin to interfere with daily life, cause distress, or lead to a fear of acting on these thoughts. If there is a noticeable change in behavior and mood, or coping mechanisms are no longer effective, it's important to seek help. Mental health professionals are trained to provide support and treatment for those who experience the negative effects of stress and trauma.
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