What is Trauma and PTSD?
PTSD, or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, is a psychological condition that can develop in individuals exposed to a traumatic event, a series of traumatic events, or a specific set of distressing circumstances.
Over the years, PTSD has gone by various names, like "shell shock" during World War I and "combat fatigue" after World War II. However, it's essential to recognize that PTSD doesn't exclusively affect combat veterans. It can impact people of all ethnicities, nationalities, cultures, and ages.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, the prevalence of PTSD in the United States is significant, with approximately 3.5 percent of adults experiencing it each year. Among adolescents aged 13-18, the lifetime prevalence is 8 percent. It's estimated that one in 11 individuals will receive a PTSD diagnosis during their lifetime. Women are twice as likely as men to be affected by PTSD.
Individuals grappling with PTSD often contend with persistent and distressing thoughts and emotions related to their traumatic experiences. These feelings endure long after the traumatic incident has passed and can include flashbacks, nightmares, sadness, fear, and anger. They may also feel detached from others.
PTSD can lead individuals to avoid situations, places, or people that remind them of the traumatic event. They may overreact to seemingly ordinary stimuli, such as loud noises or accidental physical contact, due to heightened sensitivity and reactivity.
