Healing is possible. Hope is essential.
PTSD is a mental health condition affecting roughly 3-5% of the general population. While anyone can develop PTSD, among first responders those number are much higher-as high as15 %.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can affect individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. A hallmark of trauma is re-experiencing events from the past in the present, psychologically and physiologically. Time/ space orientation becomes skewed. The great Victor Frankl, Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor famously said, "An abnormal reaction to an abnormal situation is normal behaviour". While many people associate PTSD with military veterans, it can impact anyone who has faced situations causing intense fear, helplessness, or violence. In the general population, roughly 3-5% of individuals are diagnosed with PTSD. Among first responders those numbers are much higher, affecting roughly 1 in 3 individuals. Paramedics (15%), Rescue teams (13%), Firefighters (7%) and Police (5%). Among these communities it is likely that the numbers are much higher as these statistics only reflect individuals that have sought help. (Getting accurate statistics is challenging for many reasons. These numbers reflect best estimates based on data available and cases reported).
PTSD is characterized by a range of symptoms that persist for an extended period of time after exposure to a traumatic event. While it is common to have symptoms of Post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder is only diagnosed when those symptoms persist for an extended period of time (beyond 1 month) and interfere with an individual's daily life in various ways. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines specific criteria for diagnosing PTSD, including intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, negative mood alterations, and alterations in arousal and reactivity.
While anyone can develop PTSD, most individuals that experience a traumatic event do not. Some factors do increase the likelihood that someone will develop PTSD. The length of the trauma and associated injuries can influence the development of PTSD. Certain types of trauma are also more commonly associated with the development of PTSD such as situations of extreme violence or those in which individuals fear their own death or those of others. Military combat, sexual assault, natural disasters, accidents, or witnessing violence are just a few examples. Individual factors such as previous traumatic exposure, age at which the trauma occurred, gender, the extent of feeling helpless during the event—can all affect whether a person will develop PTSD. What happens after the traumatic event, how it is handled, is also a key component. Stress can make PTSD more likely, while social support can make it less likely. As previously mentioned, being a first responder of any kind can significantly increase the risk. Additionally, women are more likely to develop PTSD than men (8% compared to 4%).
Symptoms: While there are many varied symptoms of PTSD, a common conception in the field is the understanding of the significant somatic impact on the body. As Bessel van der Kolk, one the world's leading experts in the field of trauma suggests, "The body keeps the score".
1. Intrusive Thoughts: Individuals with PTSD often experience recurrent, distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks related to the traumatic event.
2. Avoidance Behaviors: Those with PTSD may actively avoid reminders of the trauma, including places, people, or activities that trigger distressing memories.
3. Negative Mood Alterations: Persistent negative emotions, such as guilt, shame, or a diminished interest in previously enjoyable activities, are common in PTSD.
4. Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity: Individuals may experience heightened irritability, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, hypervigilance, or an exaggerated startle response.
Treatment Options:
1. Therapy: Psychotherapy, particularly EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), CPT, (cognitive processing therapy) and prolonged exposure therapy as well as other trauma-based modalities such as IFS (internal family systems therapy) have shown efficacy in treating PTSD by helping individuals process traumatic memories and to strengthen internal resources to better cope with what they are facing.
2. Medications: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety and sleep medications may be prescribed to alleviate some symptoms of PTSD and improve overall well-being.
3. Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar traumas can provide a sense of community and understanding and reduce feelings of shame and isolation.
Raising awareness about PTSD is crucial for reducing stigma, promoting early intervention, and fostering empathy. Recognizing the signs and symptoms allows for timely support, leading to better outcomes for those affected. Education and destigmatization also contribute to a more compassionate and informed approach and are essential in high-risk workplaces so that individuals can seek and receive treatment as early as possible.
PTSD is a complex and multifaceted mental health condition that requires a nuanced understanding and targeted, evidenced-based treatment approaches. By delving into its causes, symptoms, and available treatments, we can foster a more empathetic and supportive environment for those grappling with the aftermath of trauma. Awareness, education, destigmatization, diagnosis & evidenced-based treatment are essential steps in building a society that recognizes and addresses the impact of PTSD on individuals and communities. In my clinical practice I see and treat many first responders but also members of the general population with PTSD and post traumatic effects. If you are struggling, don't suffer in silence. Reach out. Today.
Healing is possible. Hope is essential. Help is available.
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