Understanding PTSD: When the Past Doesn’t Stay in the Past

A casually dressed man sits attentively, participating in a thoughtful discussion in a comfortable environment.

“Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.” – Dr. Peter Levine

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) isn’t just something that affects soldiers. It can affect anyone who has lived through a traumatic experience—whether it's a car accident, assault, childhood abuse, or a natural disaster.

As a psychiatrist, I’ve worked with many individuals who carry invisible wounds. If you’ve been through something traumatic and feel like you just can’t “move on,” know this: you are not broken, and you are not alone.

📊 How Common Is PTSD?

• Around 6% of the U.S. population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.

• About 12 million adults in the U.S. live with PTSD in any given year.

• Women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD.

• Many people experience trauma, but not everyone develops PTSD—it’s how the brain processes the trauma that matters.

  
  

🧠 What Is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. It goes beyond a normal reaction to stress and can affect daily life long after the danger has passed.

People with PTSD may feel as if they’re still in danger, even when they’re safe. The brain and body stay on high alert, making it hard to relax, trust others, or feel at peace.

❗ Common Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms fall into four main categories. You may experience all or just some:

1. Intrusive Memories

• Flashbacks or nightmares that make you feel like you’re reliving the event

• Unwanted, distressing memories

• Physical reactions (like sweating or panic) to reminders of the trauma

2. Avoidance

• Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind you of the trauma

• Trying not to think or talk about it

3. Negative Changes in Mood or Thinking

• Feeling hopeless or detached from others

• Trouble remembering parts of the event

• Ongoing guilt, shame, or anger

4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions

• Being easily startled or always on guard

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

• Angry outbursts or self-destructive behavior

These symptoms can develop soon after the event or appear months or even years later.

💥 What Causes PTSD?

PTSD develops in response to overwhelming stress. Some common causes include:

• Combat exposure

• Physical or sexual assault

• Serious accidents (like car crashes)

• Natural disasters (like floods or fires)

• Childhood abuse or neglect

• Sudden loss of a loved one

But here’s what’s important: It’s not the event itself, but how your mind and body respond to it. Two people can go through the same experience—one may develop PTSD, the other may not.

🛠️ Can PTSD Be Treated?

Absolutely. PTSD is treatable, and many people go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Healing is not about forgetting the trauma—it’s about learning how to manage it and feel safe again.

Effective treatment options include:

1. Therapy

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) helps change negative thinking patterns.

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) reduces the emotional charge of traumatic memories.

• Prolonged Exposure Therapy helps people safely face reminders of the trauma and regain control.

2. Medication

• Antidepressants (like SSRIs) can help manage anxiety, depression, and sleep issues.

• In some cases, other medications may be used short-term to stabilize mood or reduce nightmares.

3. Supportive Strategies

• Grounding techniques, like deep breathing and mindfulness, help reduce anxiety in the moment.

• Social support from family, friends, or peer groups can be incredibly healing.

• Routine and self-care promote long-term recovery.

  
  

💡 Living With PTSD

PTSD does not define you. It is one chapter in your story—not the whole book. Many people living with PTSD are strong, courageous, and resilient. With the right tools, you can heal, grow, and regain control over your life.

You are not weak for struggling. You are brave for surviving.

📣 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you recognize yourself or someone you care about in these symptoms, know this: you are not alone, and help is available. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of strength.

👉 Ready to take the next step? Contact me today to start building a plan for healing and recovery. Noble Psychiatric Services is Here to Help Contact Us 📞💙 505-595-1200

👉 You deserve peace. Let’s get there—together.