We applaud Nexstar Broadcasting for their Mental Health Awareness series, including this piece on debunking PTSD Myths. Below is the text they composed.
If you’re in the greater Cleveland area and suspect that you or someone you love might be experiencing PTSD, we hope you’ll reach out.
PTSD is often portrayed in movies by soldiers returning from war and becoming aggressive, psychotic and angry a major misconception about this disorder. Although PTSD often occurs in adults, it can also occur in children. Children re-experience symptoms of PTSD through repetitive play rather than through thoughts and perception. Children who have had childhood adversity, such as separation from their parents, are more likely to develop PTSD.
4 Myths Surrounding PTSD
1) ONLY WAR VETERANS CAN GET PTSD
Anyone who experienced a traumatic event can have PTSD. Victims of abuse and rape, first responders, individuals seeking asylum, refugees or those who witnessed a horrendous crime are all at risk for having PTSD.
2) PEOPLE SUFFER FROM PTSD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEY ARE EXPOSED TO A TRAUMATIC EVENT
To be diagnosed with PTSD, symptoms must last for at least one month. PTSD is a long-term diagnosis, whereas an acute stress disorder is a short-term disorder. PTSD symptoms can recur for years, so it is important to seek help for this disorder.
3) EVERYONE WHO EXPERIENCES A TRAUMATIC EVENT WILL HAVE PTSD
Up to 37 percent of individuals who experience an intentional traumatic event will develop PTSD. Intentional traumatic events are attacks as opposed to natural disasters or accidents, which may cause PTSD in around 10 percent of individuals.
4) VICTIMS WHO SUFFER FROM PTSD ARE MENTALLY UNSTABLE AND VIOLENT
PTSD is similar to severe anxiety. It does not result in psychosis and should not be confused with schizophrenia. PTSD is characterized by coping with distressing memories.