Why Most People Misunderstand PTSD [September 2023]
PTSD can be confusing for several reasons, both for those experiencing it and for those trying to understand it.
Here are some factors that contribute to the confusion surrounding PTSD:
Complex symptoms: PTSD is a complex disorder with a wide range of symptoms that can manifest differently in each person. Symptoms may include intrusive thoughts or memories, flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance behaviors, emotional numbness, mood swings, and difficulties with concentration or sleep. These diverse symptoms can overlap with other mental health conditions, making diagnosis and understanding challenging.
Different triggers/responses: Triggers for PTSD can be highly individualized and may not always align with common expectations. While some triggers may be obvious, such as loud noises or specific locations, others can be subtle, such as certain smells, sounds, or even internal thoughts. Furthermore, the intensity of the response to triggers can vary greatly among individuals, leading to confusion and unpredictability.
Delayed onset: PTSD symptoms may not appear immediately after a traumatic event. In some cases, symptoms can manifest months or even years after the traumatic experience. This delayed onset can be confusing for individuals who may not immediately connect their symptoms to the traumatic event. It can also make it challenging for others to understand the link between the past trauma and current difficulties.
Overlapping symtoms: PTSD symptoms can overlap with those of other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, or substance abuse. This overlap can lead to misdiagnosis or the presence of comorbid conditions, further adding to the confusion and complexity of understanding and treating PTSD.
Stigma and misunderstandings: Societal stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health, including PTSD, can add to the confusion. Misunderstandings about mental health conditions and the associated stigma may prevent individuals from seeking help or disclosing their symptoms. This can further complicate the process of recognizing and understanding PTSD.
Truly, we misunderstand PTSD often. Why?
Lack of awareness. PTSD is a relatively new mental health condition, and it is not as well-known as other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. This lack of awareness can lead to people misunderstanding what PTSD is and how it affects people.
Misinformation. There is a lot of misinformation about PTSD circulating online and in the media. This misinformation can lead to people believing things about PTSD that are not true. For example, some people believe that PTSD is only caused by combat, or that people with PTSD are violent.
Stereotypes. There are a number of stereotypes about people with PTSD. These stereotypes can lead to people misunderstanding and stigmatizing people with PTSD. For example, some people believe that people with PTSD are weak or crazy.
As a trauma therapist working with adults, especially men, I hear misconceptions about PTSD all. of. the. time. I wish we taught more about mental health in school.
The most common misconceptions I hear in the therapy setting are:
PTSD is only for veterans. This is not true. PTSD can be caused by any traumatic event, regardless of whether it's related to combat.
PTSD is a sign of weakness. This is also not true. PTSD is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. Anyone can develop PTSD, regardless of their strength or resilience.
PTSD is all in your head. This is not true. PTSD is a real medical condition that affects the brain and body.
People with PTSD are violent. This is not true. In fact, people with PTSD are more likely to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators.
