Written by: Grace Dominguez
Edited by: Preeti Shaji
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may occur after someone experiences a traumatic experience or event. Symptoms include negative mood changes, avoidance behaviors, heightened arousal, and intrusive memories (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). PTSD is often associated with those who have experienced traumatic events, such as military combat, accidents, or assaults, but this is not the sole demographic of individuals with PTSD. It also affects people from a wide scope of backgrounds, and despite PTSD affecting many different people worldwide, societal misconceptions and stigma continue to overshadow this complex mental health condition. Unfortunately, misunderstandings surrounding PTSD often lead to stigmatization of the disorder, which hinders affected individuals from seeking necessary treatment, support, and care.
One of the primary misconceptions about PTSD is that it exclusively affects those who have served in the military. This negatively overshadows and marginalizes the broader range of individuals who may suffer from this disorder by minimizing their experiences and creating barriers to seeking help. Even though veterans and active-duty military personnel are at a higher risk due to combat exposure, civilians can also develop PTSD following various traumatic experiences. For example, childhood sexual abuse, natural disasters, and even witnessing a serious accident can all trigger the onset of PTSD. Another misjudgement is that PTSD primarily affects men. This is not only false, but according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 7% of the general population will experience PTSD at some point, with women being twice as likely to be diagnosed compared to men (PTSD: National Center for PTSD, 2022). This misconception negatively impacts those who struggle with PTSD by reinforcing gender stereotypes. When society assumes that PTSD primarily affects men, especially veterans, women and other groups who suffer from this condition may feel invalidated and overlooked. This can lead to underdiagnosis and inadequate mental health support for these individuals, further enhancing the isolation and stigmatization they may already experience. Furthermore, the limited recognition of PTSD in diverse populations, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and natural disasters, can prevent people from recognizing their own symptoms, which in turn, delays access to effective treatment and recovery. Combating these misconceptions is essential for fostering a more inclusive understanding of PTSD that validates all affected individuals, encouraging them to seek the help that they deserve.
Stigma plays a significant role in exacerbating the challenges faced by those with PTSD. Research indicates that individuals with PTSD often experience both self-stigma, the internalizing of negative societal beliefs, and public stigma. Examining the discriminatory attitudes held by society, studies show that stigma may discourage people from seeking professional help or disclosing their mental health status at all (Ben-Zeev et al., 2012). This often leads to symptoms getting worse and an overall decline in the individual’s day-to-day quality of life, reinforcing the perception that PTSD is untreatable and that those affected should simply “move on” or “overcome it” by themselves. One factor contributing to this stigmatization is the portrayal of PTSD in media and pop culture. Often, individuals with PTSD are depicted as violent, dangerous, and unstable, especially in movies and television. This false portrayal fosters fear and misunderstanding among the public and even healthcare providers, perpetuating the stereotype of PTSD as a condition only associated with aggression or unpredictability. Despite these misconceptions, the reality is that PTSD manifests in a variety of ways, and most individuals with PTSD do not have violent tendencies. These depictions, however, make it more difficult for those affected to feel accepted and understood within their communities (Corrigan et al., 2014).
Despite these range of challenges, many effective treatments are available for PTSD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focused on the traumatic event, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (American Psychological Association, 2013). Trauma focused CBT, for instance, helps individuals confront and process traumatic memories, which can aid in reducing the intensity of symptoms and improving coping mechanisms. EMDR has also shown significant effectiveness, allowing patients to reprocess traumatic memories in a safe therapeutic environment. Public health campaigns and educational initiatives that portray PTSD as a manageable mental health condition could also help break down these stigmas, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. For example, organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) actively promote resources for individuals struggling with PTSD and encourage conversations to reduce stigma in communities and workplaces (NAMI, 2022).
Overall, combating the stigma around PTSD requires a multifaceted approach involving education, public awareness, and empathy. By challenging stigmas and promoting evidence-based treatments, we can foster a more supportive environment that empowers individuals with PTSD to seek help and share their experiences without fear of judgment. It is crucial to recognize that PTSD is not exclusive to any age, gender, race or profession, and that anyone who has experienced trauma deserves understanding, compassion, and access to mental health resources.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders 5th ed. (DSM-5).
Ben-Zeev, D., Corrigan, P. W., Britt, T. W., & Langford, L. (2012). Stigma of mental illness and service use in the military. Journal of Mental Health, 21(3), 264–273. https://doi.org/10.3109/09638237.2011.621468
National Center for PTSD. (2018). Understanding PTSD and PTSD treatment. US Department of Veteran Affairs. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/publications/print/understandingptsd_booklet.pdf
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health). Posttraumatic stress disorder. (2017, December). https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder/
PTSD: National Center for PTSD. (2022). How Common is PTSD in Adults?. US Department of Veteran Affairs. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp
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