Throughout June, the Department of Health and Human Services recognizes the importance of spreading awareness and resources related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event can impact individuals of all ages for various amounts of time.
PTSD is a mental health challenge from a traumatic event such as combat, physical violence, child abuse, accidental and natural disasters, or a severe accident. Recovery is an individual journey, as healing from a traumatic event may last weeks, months, years, or leave a lifelong impression. About 6% of people in the United States will experience PTSD over the course of their life and most people will go through a traumatic event, although not all will develop PTSD. Around 8% of women and 4% of men will experience PTSD at some point during their life. In any given year, about 5% of the U.S. population has PTSD.
“We recognize PTSD awareness in June, but at any time throughout the year an individual can be affected by symptoms and need support,” said Interim Director of Behavioral Health Tony Green. “Know that effective treatment is available and can lead to a better life whether you are a veteran or civilian survivor of a serious accident, natural disaster, or other traumatic event.”
Veterans are more likely to experience symptoms of PTSD, although, any individual exposed to a traumatic event may experience PTSD. It can range from relatively mild symptoms to serious daily challenges that disrupt relationships, cause problems at work, and increase feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or isolation.
The good news is recovery is possible. Symptoms of PTSD can be treated using various therapy techniques and medications. Individuals who experience PTSD symptoms can learn to cope with and resolve some of the symptoms. It is critical to recognize the significant effects that trauma can have on the body both physically and mentally. If you suspect that you might be experiencing PTSD, you are not alone. There is hope and there is help.
Signs of PTSD:
- Mental or physical discomfort when reminded of the event.
- Flashbacks, in which it feels as if the event is occurring over and over.
- Frequent nightmares about the event.
- Difficulty remembering the traumatic event and avoiding reminders of the experience, such as places, people, and objects.
- Hyperarousal symptoms, such as feeling tense, being startled easily, and having trouble sleeping. While it is normal to experience some of these symptoms after a terrible event, symptoms lasting more than a few weeks may be signs of PTSD.
- Depression, worry, intense guilt, and feeling emotionally numb.
- Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities.
Some factors that may promote recovery after trauma include:
- Seeking out support from other people, such as your peers, friends, and family.
- Finding a support group or faith-based group after a traumatic event.
- Developing a sense of control and taking action for what you can control along with support and even treatment.
- Having a positive coping strategy or a way of getting through the bad event and learning from it.
- Being able to act and respond effectively, despite feeling fear.
Many people who experience PTSD have one or other co-existing mental health challenges — like depression, anxiety, alcohol or drug use disorders, or thinking about harming themselves or others. Seeking treatment for any mental health challenge, including PTSD, can help people live healthier lives. For some people, PTSD symptoms may start later on, or the symptoms may come and go over time. Treatment can help even if the trauma happened years ago.
Need to talk or get immediate help in a crisis? Help is available. If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out to:
- Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org for free and confidential mental health support.
- Nebraska Family Helpline – Any question, any time. (888) 866-8660
- Your faith-based leader or your healthcare professional.
- Rural Response Hotline, (800) 464-0258
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (oprime dos para Español) or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)