7 Things You Didn’t Know About PTSD
Lesser-known mental health challenges associated with PTSD, and expert advice on how to help loved ones who may be experiencing symptoms.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. In addition to the well-known symptoms of PTSD such as flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors, there are several lesser-known mental health challenges that can also be associated with PTSD. Here are seven of them:
1. Emotional numbness
This is a common symptom of PTSD that involves feeling detached or disconnected from one's emotions. People with emotional numbness may find it difficult to experience pleasure or excitement and may feel like they are living in a state of emotional "flatness."
According to Dr. Jonathan Shedler, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, emotional numbness is a common symptom of PTSD that can be difficult to treat. Shedler notes that it's important for therapists to create a safe and supportive environment for clients with PTSD, and to help them gradually reconnect with their emotions over time.
Tips for talking with potentially symptomatic loved ones:
"I've noticed that you seem to be having a hard time connecting with your emotions lately. I want you to know that it's okay to feel whatever you're feeling, and that I'm here to support you no matter what."
"It seems like you've been feeling really detached lately. Have you talked to anyone about how you're feeling? Maybe a therapist could help you work through some of these emotions."
2. Hypervigilance
People with PTSD may be constantly on high alert, scanning their environment for potential threats. This can make it difficult to relax and may cause them to feel anxious or stressed in situations that are not actually dangerous.
Dr. Judith Herman, a psychiatrist and professor at Harvard Medical School, notes that hypervigilance is a key symptom of PTSD that can make it difficult for people to feel safe or relaxed. Herman emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of safety and predictability in therapy, and of helping clients develop coping strategies to manage their anxiety.
Tips for talking with potentially symptomatic loved ones:
"I've noticed that you're always on edge and constantly scanning your environment for potential threats. I can imagine how exhausting that must be. Have you considered talking to a therapist about ways to manage your anxiety?"
"I'm here to support you and help you feel safe. Let's talk about some ways we can make your home or environment feel more secure."
3. Dissociation
This is a feeling of being disconnected from one's thoughts, feelings, or surroundings. People with PTSD may experience dissociation as a way of coping with traumatic memories or triggers.
According to Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a psychiatrist and trauma expert, dissociation is a common coping mechanism that can help people cope with overwhelming emotions or traumatic memories. Van der Kolk notes that it's important for therapists to help clients understand the role that dissociation is playing in their lives, and to work with them to develop healthier coping strategies over time.
Tips for talking with potentially symptomatic loved ones:
"It seems like you've been feeling disconnected from yourself lately. Have you talked to anyone about these feelings of detachment?"
"I've noticed that you sometimes seem to 'check out' or space out during conversations. I want you to know that I'm here to listen whenever you're ready to talk."
4. Insomnia
Many people with PTSD struggle with insomnia or other sleep disturbances. This can be caused by nightmares or by the general anxiety and hyperarousal that can come with PTSD.
Dr. Matthew Walker, a sleep scientist and professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, notes that PTSD can disrupt sleep patterns and make it difficult to get a good night's rest. Walker emphasizes the importance of developing good sleep hygiene habits, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol, establishing a regular sleep routine, and creating a calm and relaxing sleep environment.
Tips for talking with potentially symptomatic loved ones:
"I've noticed that you're having trouble sleeping lately. Have you talked to a doctor or therapist about this?"
"It's important to take care of yourself, and getting enough sleep is a big part of that. Let's talk about some strategies that might help you get a better night's rest."
5. Substance abuse
Some people with PTSD may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with their symptoms. This can lead to a cycle of substance abuse and worsening PTSD symptoms.
According to Dr. Mark P. McGovern, a clinical psychologist and professor at the Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, substance abuse is a common co-occurring condition in people with PTSD. McGovern notes that it's important for therapists to address both the PTSD and the substance abuse together, and to help clients develop healthy coping strategies that don't involve drugs or alcohol.
Tips for talking with potentially symptomatic loved ones:
"I'm worried about your substance use, and I want you to know that I'm here to support you if you decide to seek help."
"I care about you and want to see you happy and healthy. Let's talk about some ways to manage stress and cope with difficult emotions that don't involve drugs or alcohol."
6. Chronic pain
PTSD has been linked to chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, and back pain. This may be due to the physical toll that trauma can take on the body, as well as the stress and anxiety that can exacerbate pain.
Dr. Jennifer McVige, a psychiatrist and pain management specialist, notes that PTSD can contribute to chronic pain conditions by amplifying pain signals in the brain. McVige emphasizes the importance of addressing both the PTSD and the pain together, and of using a multi-disciplinary approach that may include medication, therapy, and other interventions.
Tips for talking with potentially symptomatic loved ones:
"I've noticed that you're in a lot of pain lately. Have you talked to a doctor or therapist about ways to manage your pain?"
"I'm here to support you through your pain and your recovery. Let's talk about some strategies that might help you feel better."
7. Eating disorders
PTSD can also be associated with eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. This may be due to the way that trauma can affect one's relationship with food and body image, as well as the ways that PTSD can impact one's ability to regulate emotions and impulses.
Dr. Carolyn Becker, a clinical psychologist and eating disorders specialist, notes that PTSD can contribute to eating disorders by disrupting one's relationship with food and body image. Becker emphasizes the importance of addressing both the PTSD and the eating disorder together, and of helping clients develop healthy coping strategies that support their overall recovery.
Tips for talking with potentially symptomatic loved ones:
"I've noticed that you've been having a hard time with food lately. Have you considered talking to a therapist or doctor about these feelings?"
"I want you to know that you're not alone, and that there are people who can help you work through these issues. Let's talk about some options for getting the support you need."
Made Up Mind content should never be mistaken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Information published to this website or by this brand is not a replacement for medical advice. Please consult qualified health or mental health professionals with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your mental health.
