Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder develops in some, but not all, people who experience a shocking, dangerous, or violent event such as an active shooting, a car accident, a traumatic heath episode, or a burglary. PTSD is not fully understood, but some believe that it’s the brain’s natural defenses at work to keep the whole body alive and can save that painful memory in an attempt to keep the person alert and therefore alive. Another popular hypothesis is that the heightened adrenaline levels essentially brand the experience in the memory. Unfortunately, whatever the reason for its development, PTSD is highly unpleasant and can be harmful to personal health and healthy relationships. Thankfully PTSD is treatable and can sometimes be cured with talk therapy, medication, and support from loved ones. Common symptoms include flashbacks while awake, vivid and frightening dreams, feeling isolated, having trouble concentrating, and being sharply triggered by certain objects, incidents, and places.
If you have PTSD or think you may have PTSD, speak to a trusted adult, consider the resources provided, and remember that mental illnesses cause your brain to lie to you; you are as safe as anyone, you are not weak, you are not monstrous, you are bearing a heavy load but you do not have to bear it alone. PTSD, like any mental health issue, is never the fault of the sick person and always the result of genetics and circumstances.
