(written by Inna Abrogena)
Myth: Only war veterans can develop PTSD.
While many soldiers who witness death, accidents, and severe injury can develop PTSD, anyone who is exposed to traumatic events may also do the same. Trauma can be in different forms and impact people in different ways. A wide range of events or circumstances can cause PTSD for any person at any age. For example, experiencing or witnessing life-threatening events.
Myth: PTSD develops due to a person’s weakness
PTSD is not related to weakness and developing it does not mean the person is flawed. PTSD is a normal response to a traumatic life-threatening event. It is a way for the brain to protect the person from threats and dangers and they cannot choose or control having symptoms.
Like any mental illness, PTSD develops due to different environmental, social, or biological factors. Some people are more likely to develop PTSD. This includes people who experienced trauma in childhood, repeated trauma, and more negative life events (ex. divorce, work problems), people with anxiety or depression, low self-esteem, and less social support, and people who live or work in high-risk and/or stressful environments.
These circumstances are usually out of a person’s control or choice and can lead to less ability to cope with hardships. This can amplify the effects of trauma which can develop into PTSD.
Myth: PTSD always develops after a traumatic event
PTSD can develop soon after the traumatic event but it can also develop months or years after the traumatic event. The symptoms can persist for many months or years and come and go.
Myth: PTSD can go away on its own
People with PTSD may have difficulty or avoid talking about the event or seeking help and therefore avoid getting treatment. Depending on many factors such as type of trauma experienced, history of trauma, mental health conditions, and other personal factors, the symptoms may reduce over time, but it is not the case for everyone.
Seeking help and treatment from a professional can help the person improve their symptoms more quickly. Professional help can aid the person to return to their normal daily functioning and experience fewer symptoms in the future.
Myth: People with PTSD are dangerous or violent
People with PTSD usually are a victim of violence or life-threatening events. They may be easily startled and continue to experience distress due to their symptoms but it is rare for them to become violent. In some movies, people with PTSD are depicted as becoming violent but it is not the usual case and only causes misconception. Violent behavior is not considered a symptom of PTSD.
References:
https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/addiction-blog/ptsd-myths/
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/ptsd-myths
