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Published In: Mental Health | Nov 06 2023
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When we hear about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), we often associate it with physical trauma such as sexual or physical assault, accidents, wars, or terrorist attacks. However, this is only one aspect of this mental health disorder. Studies have revealed that other factors can also contribute to the development of PTSD. Emotional abuse, for instance, can also lead to a person suffering from this condition.
It’s important to understand what Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is and what its symptoms are. People develop PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event. These traumatic events can be a car accident, natural disaster, violence, or any other life-threatening event, and can have physical and emotional reactions.
The symptoms of PTSD are very distinctive and can be quite severe. Some of the symptoms include:
It’s essential to recognize the symptoms of PTSD and seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing them. PTSD is a treatable condition, and with the right support and treatment, sufferers can recover and lead a fulfilling life.
Typically, physical trauma is most associated with causing PTSD. When an individual undergoes a distressing event that causes physical harm or injury, they are at risk of developing PTSD.
This likelihood increases if the individual feels a fear for their life during the traumatic event. PTSD is often linked to situations where individuals believe they are on the brink of death, such as war veterans or victims of severe accidents. Even in situations where there was no immediate threat to life, the mere perception of impending death can trigger PTSD symptoms.
Common physical triggers of PTSD include:
While people often associate physical trauma with PTSD, emotional trauma is equally crucial to consider. Those who have experienced psychological trauma are at a high risk of developing PTSD.
Emotional and psychological traumas could include:
To delve deeper into each aspect, PTSD may arise from a relationship characterized by consistent verbal abuse, belittlement, mockery, or humiliation from one partner towards the other. A similar situation can occur within families, where a child is continually subjected to verbal abuse from a close family member, which may lead to PTSD later in life. An unexpected loss, such as the sudden, violent death of a close relative or the loss of a baby during or shortly after birth, can also spark PTSD symptoms.
Reflecting on distressing events that did not result in physical harm, we can consider the experience of frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite not contracting the virus themselves, these individuals were exposed to distressing situations on a daily basis for months, contributing to the onset of PTSD for many.
These circumstances, despite not being physically violent, can cause significant trauma and affect the nervous system in a similar way to physical trauma. Consequently, PTSD symptoms can start manifesting either immediately after the traumatic event or even years down the line.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) should not remain unaddressed as it can lead to the development of persistent and crippling symptoms. The key to treating PTSD lies in addressing the emotional trauma endured by the individual. This involves employing various mental health services to help them unravel their traumatic experiences and equip them with coping strategies and skills to better manage their symptoms.
There are several effective therapeutic approaches to treating PTSD triggered by emotional trauma. These include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and psychodynamic therapy. Each of these therapies offers unique benefits and can be used alone or combined, depending on the individual’s needs.
While these treatments are all effective, it’s crucial to recognize that everyone’s experience with PTSD is unique. Therefore, the most effective treatment approach is one that is personalized to the individual’s unique circumstances and symptoms. It should be a comprehensive plan that takes into consideration the individual’s personal history, the nature of the trauma, their current situation, and their specific symptoms. A mental health professional can help develop a personal treatment plan that ensures you get the most appropriate and effective treatment for your needs.
The repercussions of emotional abuse can be deeply impactful, sometimes even resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We must underscore the importance of recognizing that emotional and psychological trauma, just as physical trauma, can be potent precursors to PTSD. This realization is pivotal in helping those grappling with this disorder to seek and find the right assistance and treatment methods for their journey toward recovery.
If you or a loved one are struggling with PTSD, we strongly encourage you to seek help as soon as possible. Psyclarity Health is a trusted provider of specialized trauma-informed treatment specifically tailored for PTSD, and our mental health services administration is one call away from helping. Reach out to learn more about the range of treatments we offer and how they can be customized to your unique needs. Remember, the path to recovery begins with a single step, and we are here to walk alongside you on this journey. Get in touch with us today.