As A Woman: PTSD
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we will discuss topics around mental health in each article of As A Woman.
Today’s topic is around the commonly known term, “PTSD”.
What is PTSD?
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or rape or who have been threatened with death, sexual violence or serious injury.
While it can affect anyone, the APA states that “Women are twice as likely as men to have PTSD. Three ethnic groups–U.S. Latinos, African Americans, and American Indians–are disproportionately affected and have higher rates of PTSD than non-Latino whites.”
What are some signs of PTSD?
According to Psychiatry.org, “People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people. People with PTSD may avoid situations or people that remind them of the traumatic event, and they may have strong negative reactions to something as ordinary as a loud noise or an accidental touch.”
In an interview with Pamela Joan Pine, Professor, American Public University, Founder and Director at Stop the Silence, she shared with me how all experiences build a pattern in our brain as a response to those experiences. We all have them to lesser and greater extents. When experiences happen that mimic those traumatic ones from our past, our brain quickly kicks out the fight-or-flight hormones which bring out about the physical symptoms and feelings we experience in that moment.
Understanding that the response is normal may help to ease some of the anxiety around those suffering with PTSD.
Besides talking to a professional trained in coping with trauma and specifically PTSD, what are additional things that one can do to help with this disorder?
Pamela Joan Pine recommended the following suggestions:
Communication: Call a friend or family member just to talk and be open and honest with that person as long as we feel they are a non-judgmental listener.
Mindfulness: Take time off by yourself for deep breathing, centering and calming yourself, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth.
Exercise: Take a long walk. Even if you can’t walk for a long period, start some place even if 10 minutes a day.
Additionally, if you are a woman and fall into one of the three categories mentioned earlier, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing PTSD. But whether you are in those categories or not, recognize that suffering from PTSD can affect anyone. Also understand that these are normal chemical reactions to traumatic experiences that were beyond your control. And last, take comfort in knowing that you are not alone and that you can get help to cope with your feelings.
Please see the resources below for helping if you are experiencing mental illness symptoms:
People rarely get the mental health services they need because they don’t know where to start.
Talk to your primary care doctor or another health professional about mental health problems. Ask them to connect you with the right mental health services.
If you do not have a health professional who can assist you, use these resources to find help for yourself, your friends, your family, or your students.
Emergency Medical Services—911
If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency help by calling 911, available 24 hours a day.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Live Online Chat
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your confidential and toll-free call goes to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.
SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727)
As a Woman…is a weekly column discussing the unique challenges and solutions in health, wealth, finance, and relationships. If you would like to share in the conversation email, lharlem@pwperspective.com
