PTSD Myths

PTSD is forever

PTSD will go away on its own

PTSD is in your head

You can tell who has PTSD

People with PTSD are dangerous

PTSD means you're weak

Experiencing truama means you'll get PTSD

PTSD happens immediately after the trauma

You must directly experience the trauma

Only combat veterans experience PTSD

Hover over the "+" to learn what's true.

PTSD Myths

There are MANY treatment options for individuals with PTSD, including several types of talk therapy, body-focused talk therapies, biological treatments, and more. Someone with PTSD can absolutely find a treatment that works for them.

Truth:

I hope this goes without saying, but just in case: Even though not everyone develops PTSD after a trauma, there's not something "wrong" with or "weak" about the people who do develop PTSD. The development of PTSD is a complex combination of risk factors such as genetics, biological factors, social support, thought patterns and beliefs, past experiences, etc.

Truth:

One POSSIBLE (but not required) symptom of PTSD is irritability or angry outbursts. Therefore, many people with PTSD don't experience this symptom, and those who do, still rarely harm others.

Truth:

PTSD symptoms may develop months or even years after a trauma occurs.Bonus fact: Symptoms lasting less than 30 days are called Acute Stress Disorder. Once the symptoms last 30+ days, then it is PTSD.

Truth:

LIke any mental health diagnosis, you can't tell just by looking at someone whether they have PTSD. Many people with PTSD still have jobs, friends, and leave the house. While their symptoms have serious negative impacts on their lives, you can't always tell at a glance.

Truth:

PTSD can develop after witnessing the trauma happening to another person, hearing that a close other (e.g., family member) experienced it, or after repeated exposure to details of the trauma (e.g., first responders)

Truth:

Only about 5-20% of people who experience a trauma develop PTSD. However, certain types of trauma (e.g., sexual violence) do seem to result in higher levels of PTSD than others.

Truth:

While people are incredibly resilient, symptoms severe enough to meet criteria for PTSD don't usually go away on their own (aka by ignoring them or waiting). Luckily, there are many ways to heal.

Truth:

While PTSD certainly affects how someone thinks and the beliefs they hold, there are also measurable differences in brain functioning and nervous system responsiveness between people with & without PTSD.I'll leave you with some Dumbledore wisdom: "Of course it's happening inside your head,Harry, but why on earth should that mean it is not real?"

Truth:

Anyone exposed to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence (either directly, witnessing, learning of it happening to a close other, or vicariously) can develop PTSD.

Truth: