7 Essential Talking Points of PTSD

We live in an era when posttraumatic stress disorder treatment is something we need to seriously look at. Many people don’t understand the trust PTSD meaning and assume it is a code for someone with a mental illness that makes them violent. This stigma has caused people to try and hide their PTSD symptoms out of embarrassment and to avoid things like EMDR therapy or even cognitive behavioral therapy as they aren’t sure how people will treat them. But if a PTSD test has determined you (or a loved one) have this condition, it is time to take back your life and to consider these essential talking points of PTSD to help you break down barriers and get help or support your partner.

Most People with PTSD Are Not Dangerous

Yes, there are PTSD symptoms where a person might act out violence. However, the British Journal of Psychiatry researched this matter and found that only an estimated 5% - 11% of those with PTSD had violent PTSD symptoms. Those who did experience them were 34.7% more likely to act out when drugs or alcohol were included. So while a PTSD treatment should encourage the removal of these items, it is important to realize that those with the condition are not violent. Those who may be can use EMDR therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to combat those symptoms and better manage them.

Only Weak People Get PTSD

When a person is under endless stressful situations, it is not weak for them to experience PTSD. Some of the toughest marines, police officers, and other professionals have suffered from this condition. It has nothing to do with strength or even mental illness. It is the product of an environment that anyone who goes through similar situations can experience. As an individual with a loved one with PTSD the best thing you can do is to be supportive of them in their time of need and listen to them. You know the PTSD meaning and the negative image people have of individuals suffering from the condition, so don’t further cause stress or discomfort to your loved one by suggesting they are weak.

All You Need is Medication to Treat PTSD

Unfortunately, as a PTSD treatment, medication can only do so much. EMDR therapy or eye movement desensitization therapy and even cognitive behavioral therapy have proved to be incredibly useful. Many people are able to better manage their PTSD symptoms when they use these treatment methods and will often manage to mask the visible symptoms of PTSD that they are struggling from.

People with PTSD Can’t Function in the Real World

On the contrary, people with PTSD often hold very high profile positions and are able to function with the rest of us. Just because someone might be suffering from PTSD, does not mean that they act any differently than others out there.

PTSD Symptoms Show Up Immediately Following a Traumatic Event

Just because a person might be a couple of weeks past a traumatic event in their life, does not mean they are out of the woods. The truth is that it can take a few months for symptoms to become noticeable. While a therapist could potentially diagnose them earlier, must people don’t realize they have PTSD until memories and flashbacks begin.

People with PTSD Are Not Victims

The victim card is played with many conditions. But with PTSD, they are in fact the victim of an event that took place. It is important to remember that they deserve the same care and compassion you’d provide other victims with. When you note the PTSD definition includes that their condition is triggered by a terrifying event, it makes sense to see them as someone who is a victim. Even if it takes a little bit for the PTSD test to show it.

PTSD Is Impossible to Recover From

This isn’t true. With support groups, medication, and therapy you can regain control of your life and live it to the fullest. Soon the symptoms of PTSD can fade and you can take control of your life once again. However, it isn’t a process that a pill alone will cure, so a person does need to work towards healing.

These 7 essential talking points for PTSD are vital to discuss when you are talking to someone about the condition. This can help to provide them with a little more information so they can remove their preconceived notions of the disorder, and can help to positively help those they know with the condition. In addition, there are valuable resources available on the Internet to help increase knowledge further.

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