There are currently about 8 million people in the United States with PTSD. Even though PTSD treatments work, most people who have PTSD don’t get the help they need. It’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after a traumatic event. At first, it may be hard to do normal daily activities, like go to work, go to school, or spend time with people you care about. But most people start to feel better after a few weeks or months. If it’s been longer than a few months and you’re still having symptoms, you may have PTSD. For some people, PTSD symptoms may start later, or they may come and go over time.
You are not alone, at least half of Americans have had a traumatic event in their lives. There are some things that make it more likely you’ll develop PTSD; having very intense or long-lasting trauma, getting hurt, or have a strong reaction to the event (shaking, throwing up, or feeling distant from your surroundings). It is more common to develop PTSD after certain types of trauma, like combat and sexual assault. Help spread the word that effective PTSD treatments are available. Everyone with PTSD-whether they are Veterans with combat or other military experiences or civilian survivors of sexual or physical assault, serious accidents, child sexual or physical abuse, natural disasters (fire, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, etc), or other traumatic events needs to know that treatments really do work and can lead to a better quality of life.
Four types of PTSD symptoms:
- Relieving the event-unwelcome memories that can feel very real and scary, as if the event is happening again. This is called a flashback. You may also have nightmares.
- Avoiding things that remind you of the event. You may try to avoid certain people or situations.
- Having more negative thoughts and feelings than before. You may feel more negative than before the trauma or feel sad or numb losing interest in things you used to enjoy.
- Feeling on edge. It’s common to feel jittery or keyed up, making it hard to relax. This is called hyperarousal.
Here’s the good news: you can get treatment for PTSD. There is treatment that can get rid of PTSD altogether or make symptoms less intense. You can get tools to manage symptoms, so they don’t keep you from living your life. It’s never too late. Treatment can even help if your trauma happened years ago. PTSD can be treated with trauma focused psychotherapy, medication, and groups.
Get help for PTSD:
If you need help right away: Call 1-800-273-8255, Press “1” if you are a Veteran, call 911 or visit a local emergency room.
You can call Lisa Grenon, Family Program Manager 269-961-4051 or lisa.grenon@dla.mil for assistance and referrals.
Download the PTSD Coach App: Manage Symptoms, Tools for screening and tracking symptoms, Learn-easy to use tools to help handle stress symptoms, Direct links to support and help.
