This can’t be PTSD. Can it? Typically, when we hear PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, we think of military veterans who experience vivid and often debilitating panic-inducing flashbacks of their time at war. What you probably don’t know is that PTSD is a condition resulting in over 3 million cases in the US annually, and there are a few common causes—5 to be exact. Understanding the symptoms of PTSD is the first step to figuring out whether you have it. Then, you can look at strategies for how to cope.
Typical symptoms of PTSD include distressing nightmares, that awaken you in a state of panic, persistent thoughts and recurring flashbacks about the traumatic experience, numbing or avoidance of memories of the trauma, triggered emotional responses and just an overall on-edge feeling. Anyone can have PTSD symptoms and oftentimes they may feel judged for not being able to shake off something others may perceive as not being a big trauma. Many people suffer in silence rather than seeking help after exposure to trauma.
5 Common Causes of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD Cause 1: Motor Vehicle Accidents
One quarter of the population will be involved in automobile accidents that result in serious injuries. For those who come seeking mental health treatment after a car accident, 60 percent are diagnosed with PTSD, it’s quite common. Symptoms may include feelings of anxiety, increased heart rate, and a fear of driving or even being a passenger in a car.
What To Do About It: Oftentimes people who were injured in a car accident or even perhaps witnessed a fatality will be in shock. It is only over time that they begin to have a response to the trauma of the accident. This is when it’s advised to seek therapy to cope with this trauma.
PTSD Cause 2: Military Combat
PTSD is indeed commonly associated with combat veterans with 31% diagnosed. Combat PTSD symptoms can include carrying a weapon when not necessary, seeing threats where none exist, and outbursts of physical violence. Having these symptoms just means that you are have a reaction of stress to a nearly impossible situation.
What To Do About It: Service animals and emotional support pets are a great start. Meeting with a PTSD specialist for therapy along with self-calming activities such as meditation, deep breathing, painting or yoga are also recommended.
PTSD Cause 3: Personal Assaults
Sexual assault, mugging or robbery are life-threatening situations that can instantly trigger post-traumatic stress disorder. When events like these occur, victims tend to try to avoid reminders of the trauma, always be on guard, and may have problems in daily living. People who went through assault often report feeling unsafe and on edge as if they are expecting someone to attack them again. They also experience terrible flashbacks with disturbed sleep.
What To Do About It: Turning to alcohol or drugs isn’t uncommon which is why it’s so important to seek therapy early. Group therapy could be very helpful because there’s comfort in knowing you are not alone.
PTSD Cause 4: Natural Disasters
Natural disasters cannot be controlled which makes it more difficult to prevent the anticipatory anxiety. Devastating life altering events such as tornadoes, earthquakes to hurricanes, and fires often put people into a survival mode for up to 18 months, studies show. Symptoms usually peak during the first year and in most cases, survivors get better with time once they have accepted the reality of the event. When we look at natural disasters that result in loss of lives, assets, and personal property, there’s a sense of hopelessness that can be incredibly overwhelming.
What To Do About It: The best way to deal with this situation is this is through therapy which is often difficult to receive right away given people get displaced and are focused on basic survival.
PTSD Cause 5: Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is an attempt to control. It’s often about manipulation through put downs, name calling, blame shifting, instilling fear through ultimatum and threats, and making the person question their recollection of conversations and events. Typically, there is an overstepping of boundaries and the person feels as if they are walking on eggshells. Their every decision comes with doubt and anxiety as whatever they choose may upset their abuser. Usually the PTSD begins after the relationship has ended or in the case of emotionally abusive parents, when the child leaves the home. They may feel depressed and fearful of being manipulated without knowing it.
What To Do About It: Helping people establish firm healthy boundaries and identifying “red flags,” empowers the victim. Emotional abuse is particularly insidious in that it’s feeds off the vulnerabilities and insecurities of its victims.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a NYC-based clinical psychologist and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, a neuropsychological, developmental and educational centre in Manhattan and Queens.