PTSD Explained: What There is to Know and How You Can Cope

People often associate PTSD as a Veteran’s mental health issue and, although this does commonly affect many combat veterans, it is not exclusive to warzone trauma. Anyone anywhere can develop this disorder.

Definition of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is defined as being a mental health diagnosis that is caused by a traumatic event, commonly one that was life-threatening or was a significant threat to personal safety, and the effects of this event are diminishing the ability to function. To be clear, not everyone that goes through a traumatic event will develop PTSD. Common reactions to any traumatic event include extreme anxiety, sleep disturbances, and constantly revisiting the incident. However, a diagnosis only happens when someone struggles with these issues for an extended period of time to which it is now affecting their daily functioning.

Did You Know: It is estimated in 2020 13 million Americans suffered with PTSD

Practitioners also look at different risk factors before diagnosing someone with PTSD. Risk factors can indicate an increased likelihood of developing this condition, although it does not necessarily mean that a person develops this disorder because of their risk factors. A person’s history of trauma and their social identity, such as gender, immigration status, or race, are some examples of risk factors for PTSD.

The Effects of PTSD

PTSD has a large spectrum of symptoms, all of which can be linked to their version of coping with trauma. As the American Psychiatric Association describes, intrusion, avoidance, changes in cognition, dissociation, and changes in reactivity are the five major areas of symptoms. Intrusive thoughts or experiences commonly include flashbacks or distressing dreams that are often about their past trauma(s). Avoidance is escaping from memories or feelings tied up with a specific event. Changes in cognition include bouts of depression, trouble with memory, or distorted beliefs. Dissociation includes derealization (feeling that life is not real) and depersonalization (the feeling that they are on the outside of their body looking in). Lastly, changes in reactivity often include irritability and reckless behavior that can affect the individual or those around them.

Although these are the common symptoms of PTSD they do not all have to be present to be diagnosed nor are they displayed the same way. Instead, providers are concerned with how these symptoms affect the individual’s way of life or wellbeing. If someone suffers from distorted beliefs about themselves or others, they may struggle with trusting anyone or seeking help for themselves. It can affect not only their mental state, but also their emotional and physical wellbeing.

Resources For PTSD

Although this diagnosis seems extremely frightening there are many therapies and treatments for PTSD. There have even been cases where the symptoms of PTSD decrease overtime, through the effects of time passing or help from their support system. Nonetheless, treatments are still available for those that do require psychiatric intervention.

There are many different kinds of psychiatry that are utilized to help treat symptoms and behaviors associated with PTSD. This includes cognitive processing, which is a cognitive behavioral therapy that was specifically designed for PTSD. Exposure therapy is a common way to work through triggers related to the person’s trauma. Group therapy is a very common way for survivors to connect with one another while changing their belief system about themselves and their experiences with trauma. Medication is often used to control the symptoms of PTSD, antidepressants and antipsychotics are a common medication prescribed. It is also very common for survivors to find other, more personal ways of relaxation or self-expression.

How You Can Help

PTSD is a tricky, confusing diagnosis with many unpredictable factors that could possibly affect you or your loved ones. The best way to help someone with their healing journey is to be understanding of their condition and that things will not naturally go back to how they were before. You must find ways that best support their well-being, this could include planning activities that help reduce stress. Another great way to show support is being able to listen while not pressuring them into talking. Helping them connect with local resources that best suit their condition is another way to show you care.

Here at Greater Regional Health, it is our mission to provide the highest quality care and service to our local community, if you or a loved one could be suffering from the effects of PTSD, our team of providers is here to tailor your specific needs to the treatment plans best for you.

Visit Greater Regional Health to learn more about our mission and services.

Credits:

American Psychiatric Association. 2025. What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? APA Publishing. Retrieved June 6, 2025, https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd 

National Institute of Mental Health. 2024. Traumatic Events and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved June 6, 2025, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd#:~:text=Brochures%20and%20fact%20sheets%20with%20more%20information%20about,releases%20and%20highlights%20on%20the%20latest%20research%20findings.

WebMD Editorial Contributors. 2024. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). KKR & Company Inc. Retrieved June 6, 2025, https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder