If you spend time on social media, you have likely seen words like “triggered” or “trauma response” used in everyday conversations, memes, and commentary. While this growing awareness around trauma is important, it also opens the door to confusion. The term PTSD is often mentioned casually, yet many people are unaware of what this clinical condition actually involves.
June is PTSD Awareness Month. This is a time to move past the clickbait titles and focus on understanding PTSD as a real, diagnosable condition that can affect both the mind and body. By learning more about its symptoms and how it impacts the nervous system, we can better support those living with its impact.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. These events can include military combat, physical or sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or the sudden loss of a loved one.
PTSD is not just about having a tough time or being overwhelmed. It involves changes in how your nervous system responds to the world around you. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 6 out of every 100 people in the U.S. will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD affects people in different ways, but the symptoms generally fall into four categories:
1. Intrusion Symptoms
- Flashbacks or upsetting memories of the trauma
- Nightmares
- Emotional or physical distress when reminded of the event
2. Avoidance
- Trying to avoid thoughts, feelings, people, or places connected to the trauma
- Withdrawing from social situations or activities once enjoyed
3. Negative Thoughts and Mood Changes
- Persistent negative beliefs about oneself or others
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or emotional numbness
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Being easily startled
- Irritability or aggressive behavior
For a clinical diagnosis, these symptoms must last more than one month and cause significant distress or problems in daily functioning.
Understanding Your Nervous System Response to Trauma
PTSD disrupts the balance of the autonomic nervous system, producing a chronically activated sympathetic nervous system. This means that after experiencing a trauma, a person's nervous system may become stuck in a heightened state of arousal. In individuals with PTSD, the body’s natural “fight or flight” response, which is meant to protect them during actual danger, can remain active even in safe environments. As a result, many PTSD treatment approaches include techniques to help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which supports the body’s natural “rest and digest” functions and promotes a sense of calm and safety.
Diagnosis and Different Treatment Approaches
PTSD is diagnosed by a mental health professional based on a clinical interview and standardized assessments. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a meaningful difference in recovery.
Below are some effective treatment approaches:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A therapy modality to help individuals recognize and change distorted thought patterns related to the trauma.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A structured therapy that uses eye movements to help process and reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories.
- Medication: Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help manage symptoms like depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
- Support groups and peer counseling: Community support provides a safe space for shared experiences, reducing isolation and offering validation.
- Mind-body therapies and somatic tools: These approaches aim to calm the body’s heightened stress response. These include, but are not limited to:
- Grounding techniques to bring awareness to the present moment
- Breathing exercises to promote calm and emotional regulation
- Progressive muscle relaxation to release physical tension
Healing from PTSD is not a linear path. It often involves learning how to manage symptoms, build resilience, and reconnect with a sense of safety in the body and mind. A trauma-informed therapist can tailor treatment to each person's needs and goals.
Moving Toward Awareness and Support
PTSD Awareness Month is a time to listen, learn, and advocate. It is also an opportunity to show compassion to those navigating the recovery from trauma. By understanding the condition more clearly, we help reduce stigma and create space for real healing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, you are not alone. Reach out to a mental health professional or support service to begin the journey toward healing.
Please note: Flowly does not treat PTSD, and participation in Flowly is not intended to replace any PTSD treatments. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider if you have questions about your mental health or treatment options.