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By Matthew Rocklage
Millions of people walk among us with hidden mental health challenges. It’s a battle that doesn’t always come with visual indicators. One of these conditions is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For veterans, survivors of abuse, first responders and countless others, PTSD is not just a mental health diagnosis – it’s a daily struggle for peace and healing.
This experience can be isolating, making sufferers feel alone. However, when there is understanding, support and appropriate treatment, recovery is possible.
There’s a common misconception that PTSD only affects combat veterans, but it can impact a variety of individuals. PTSD can affect anyone whose nervous system responds to a traumatic event with a heightened sense of fear or danger. Everyone is different, and what’s traumatic for one person might not be for others. This could include natural disasters, physical assault, domestic violence or even a car accident. However, whether PTSD develops is unique to each person, so individuals may experience PTSD from sustained hardships like bullying, medical issues, family issues or grief. Each year, nearly 9 million people are affected by PTSD.
In Florida specifically, residents may experience hurricane-related PTSD.
With several significant storms in the past few years, it’s common to feel fearful and vulnerable when hurricane season begins. A range of emotions, from anxiety to depression, can last for days, weeks or even months after the storm. People who experience particularly traumatic events during a hurricane, including being trapped or injured, or suffering the loss of a loved one or pet, may be at a higher risk of developing PTSD.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
The most common warning signs include:
• Nightmares or flashbacks that vividly recall traumatic events leading to distressing emotions or even physical sensations.
• Avoidance behaviors, where you try to avoid people, places or situations that remind you of the trauma.
• Increased irritability, anger or difficulty concentrating, leading to challenges at home, work or school.
• Hyperarousal or being easily startled, having difficulty sleeping or feeling a constant sense of unease.
• Increased alertness, also known as hypervigilance, which can result in increased anxiety, persistent worrying or difficulty sleeping.
• Persistent feelings of guilt, shame or self-blame, even when you are not at fault.
Experiencing any of these symptoms can significantly impact your mental and physical well-being. They can also affect your daily activities, relationships and diminish your overall quality of life.
Who can experience PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition that can impact anyone, regardless of race, gender or background. However, the way it presents in children is often different than adults.
Very young children might have trouble describing their experiences, but there may be noticeable changes in their behavior, mood or academic performance. You may even see milestone regression in some children. In extreme cases, some children may stop talking entirely.
Adolescents may have dramatic shifts in their social behaviors, friend groups or stop taking part in hobbies and interests.
Recognizing the symptoms or spotting changes in your child’s behavior is essential. You can help them get early intervention from a professional mental health provider, which is the first step towards recovery. Without treatment, the effects of PTSD can continue indefinitely.
Treatment options
Early diagnosis and intervention from a professional are key to effectively managing PTSD symptoms.
PTSD treatment plans often include a range of therapeutic approaches. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and talk therapy are commonly used to treat PTSD. In other cases, medication may also be utilized as part of the treatment approach. There isn’t one specific treatment plan that works for everyone, so it’s important to work with a professional you trust for individualized support.
How can you help someone with PTSD?
Caregivers play a vital role in supporting their loved ones with PTSD. Whether you’re caring for a parent, spouse or child, it’s crucial to educate yourself about the disorder and its effects.
Emotional support is one of the most valuable contributions caregivers can offer. Creating a safe space for someone to express their emotions and actively listening without judgment can make a significant difference. This especially applies for children, as they likely don’t understand what they’re experiencing and need support from a family member or loved one to process these feelings.
Even though it can be scary, it’s critical to encourage your loved one to seek professional help and assist them in finding the right therapist. You can also provide support by attending their appointments with them.
Recovery is possible – even when it feels entirely out of reach. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting the trauma or pretending it never happened; it means learning to live with the past without it controlling you. With timely intervention, professional help and a compassionate support system, the brain can unlearn fear and rebuild trust. The path may be difficult, but there is hope.
About the Author
Matthew Rocklage, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner at Elite DNA Behavioral Health’s North Palm Beach location. Elite DNA is one of Florida’s largest mental health providers, offering accessible and affordable in-person and virtual behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and adults at more than 30 locations across the state. For more information, visit EliteDNA.com.
561-576-7563
