Although most people will experience some sort of traumatic event in their life, not everyone will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are many common myths and misconceptions about this mental illness, including the following:
- Myth #1: Only military veterans experience PTSD—Military veterans are at an increased risk of developing PTSD due to the violent and traumatic nature of serving in the military. However, PTSD can affect people of all types and in all professions. Those who are at an increased risk of PTSD include those who work or live in high-risk environments, those with anxiety or depression, and those who experienced childhood trauma.
- Myth #2: PTSD develops immediately—After a traumatic event, the symptoms of PTSD often do not emerge immediately. Some people with PTSD may not show any symptoms of this mental illness for weeks, months, or even years after the event.
- Myth #3: PTSD is a sign of mental weakness—PTSD is a mental disorder linked to alterations to the fear response in the brain. Many people who experience trauma also experience difficulties with problem-solving, memory, and attention. If you have PTSD, remember that this is not a sign of weakness, but a problem linked to alterations made to your brain as a result of a traumatic experience.
One of the best ways to overcome the symptoms of PTSD is to seek professional help. Contact the office of Dr. James Campbell, LLC to set up an appointment and learn more about how seeing a therapist can help you overcome this mental illness.