Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Is it a Mental Illness?
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Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.
Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Is it a Mental Illiness?
Deciphering PTSD: A Deep Dive Into its Classification as a MH Disorder
"Behind every visible wound, there's often an invisible one."
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly abbreviated as PTSD, is a profound subject that intertwines both mental health and trauma. But the question that frequently arises is, "Is post traumatic stress disorder a mental illness?"
The topic of PTSD does not only serve to provide insight for those who are struggling with it, but it's also a crucial piece for those interested in providing professional help in the field.
In this article, we'll guide you through the intricate tapestry of PTSD, focusing on:
- Unboxing PTSD: What is it?
- PTSD: An Overview of Causes and Symptoms
- PTSD: Is it Really a Mental Illness?
- Ways to Manage PTSD and Accessing Support
- Training in Stress and Trauma Recovery
Unboxing PTSD: What is it?
PTSD is a disorder that develops in people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. It's natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation, and this fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to respond to danger and to help avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a healthy reaction meant to protect a person from harm. But in PTSD, this reaction is changed or damaged Mayo Clinic.
PTSD: An Overview of Causes and Symptoms
PTSD can happen to anyone. It's not a sign of weakness. A number of factors can increase the chance that someone will develop PTSD, many of which are not under a person's control. For instance, having a very intense or long-lasting traumatic event or getting injured during the event can make it more likely that a person will develop PTSD.
Symptoms include:
- Intrusive thoughts such as repeated, involuntary memories; distressing dreams; or flashbacks of the traumatic event. Flashbacks may be so vivid that people feel they are re-living the traumatic experience.
- Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event may include avoiding people, places, activities, objects and situations that bring on distressing memories.
- Negative thoughts and feelings may include ongoing and distorted beliefs about oneself or others; ongoing fear, horror, anger, guilt or shame.
- Arousal and reactive symptoms may include being irritable and having angry outbursts; behaving recklessly or in a self-destructive way; being overly watchful of one's surroundings and having an exaggerated startle response; having problems focusing or sleeping.
PTSD: Is it Really a Mental Illness?
The discourse about PTSD often revolves around the question - is post traumatic stress disorder a mental illness?
Yes. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), PTSD is indeed classified as a mental illness. It belongs to the group of mental illnesses called Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders, which include disorders in which exposure to a traumatic or stressful event is listed explicitly as a diagnostic criterion.
Ways to Manage PTSD and Accessing Support
Managing PTSD goes beyond just receiving treatment. It involves recognizing the triggers, exploring self-help strategies, seeking peer support and making wellness a priority.
Training in Stress and Trauma Recovery
The increasing awareness about PTSD has led many to pursue a career in the sphere of mental health, specializing in Trauma and Stress Recovery. Training typically involves understanding the clinical aspects of trauma, evidence-based interventions, and creating sustainable recovery plans.
FAQ
Q: Does PTSD change the brain?A: Yes. PTSD has been found to affect the parts of the brain that handle stress and emotion.
Q: Can PTSD lead to other mental illnesses?A: Yes. PTSD can lead to comorbid disorders such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse.
Q: Can children have PTSD?A: Yes. Children can and do have PTSD. In fact, the symptoms can appear in a different way in children than they do in adults.
Unraveling PTSD is critical in fostering empathy, promoting healing, and orchestrating training in the trauma recovery field. Remember, it's okay to reach out and seek help, and it's equally rewarding to be the hand that extends this necessary assistance.
Ready to start your career as a trauma informed care practitioner? Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.