une is National
PTSD Awareness
Month, a time to
shine a light on the challenges faced by individuals grappling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Spotting the signs and symptoms of PTSD can be challenging, as research suggests that only 2-11% of individuals experiencing trauma symptoms are formally diagnosed.
According to the National Council of Mental Wellbeing, 70 percent of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Yet 20% of people who experience a traumatic event will develop PTSD.
While traditionally labeled a disorder, several trauma experts and military groups are advocating for reframing PTSD as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PSTI). This shift in terminology aims to acknowledge the profound impact of trauma on individuals' lives, emphasizing that it is an injury and can be treated rather than a flaw in character or mental health.
“Trauma, big or small, can create a cascade of biological changes that produce an overactivation of the
sympathetic nervous system. While invisible to the naked eye, the changes are measurable and can even be seen on an advanced brain scan. A simple name change can help remove the stigma surrounding this diagnosis and encourage individuals to seek the help they need,” explains Dr. Eugene Lipov, Chief Medical Officer at Stella. Stella is an interventional psychiatry practice headquartered in Westmont, Illinois and leading provider of life-changing and science-backed treatments for severe depression, anxiety and PTSD.
Recognizing the Symptoms of PTSD:
Trauma can cause a wide range of symptoms that affect various aspects of an individual's life. Understanding
these symptoms is crucial for early identification and intervention. 17 common symptoms associated with PTSD:
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