27 Things You Should Know About PTSD

On this Veteran’s Day, here is a list of “27 Things to Know” about post-traumatic stress disorder:

1. Just because someone experiences a traumatic event does not mean they have PTSD.
2. No matter how long it’s been since your trauma, treatment can help.
3. To know whether you have PTSD, you should get an assessment from a clinician.
4. Sexual assault is more likely to result in symptoms of PTSD than are other types of trauma, including combat.
5. Social support is one of the greatest protective factors against developing PTSD after trauma.
6. Research suggests that social support is an even more important resilience factor for women than men.
7. Trouble sleeping is a core feature of PTSD, so it is important to address sleep problems in PTSD treatment.
8. Getting help for PTSD early can prevent problems from expanding to other parts of your life.
9. Evidence-based treatments for PTSD include psychotherapy (or “counseling”) and medications.
10. Many people with PTSD also experience chronic pain or other physical health symptoms.
11. PTSD often co-occurs with depression or other mental health symptoms.
12. Having PTSD does not mean you’re “crazy.”
13. PTSD does not cause someone to be violent.
14. If you have PTSD, you are not alone. With treatment, you can get better.
15. In the general population, women are twice as likely as men to experience PTSD at some point in their lifetime.
16. Recent research shows that men and women who served in Iraq or Afghanistan have similar rates of PTSD.
17. Many people recover completely from PTSD with treatment.
18. If someone in your family has PTSD, family therapy can help you learn to communicate and cope together.
19. People who have PTSD also have a higher risk for substance use disorders.
20. PTSD treatment has been shown to decrease suicidal ideation.
21. Treatment is important for the person experiencing PTSD, but it also helps the family and improves relationships.
22. PTSD therapists help you understand your thoughts and feelings so you have more control over them.
23. Research suggests that variations in a number of genes may be risk factors for developing PTSD after trauma.
24. Traumatic brain injury and PTSD have some common symptoms, but they are different diagnoses.
25. Technology, like the PTSD Coach mobile app, can help you manage PTSD symptoms.
26. The Veterans Administration provides PTSD care at every VA medical center and at many of the larger community-based clinics.
27. Getting help for PTSD is problem solving, not a sign of weakness. Take the step.