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Learn About PTSD
Created By LikeKristen
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Kristen is dedicated to mental health recovery and support. In this video from her LikeKristen YouTube channel, she discusses do’s, don’ts, and informative details that you should know about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
According to Kristen:
“PTSD occurs when you go through a trauma that is a shocking or dangerous event that could happen to you or someone else. 6/10 men and 5/10 women will experience at least 1 trauma in their lifetime, but not everyone who experiences a trauma will develop PTSD.”
Childhood abuse and sexual assault are most commonly linked to PTSD in women while PTSD in men is more often linked to childhood neglect, combat, sexual assault, and physical assault.
If you think you may be suffering from PTSD, common symptoms may include the following:
Flashbacks - Recreating the traumatic event over and over again Avoidance - Of people, objects, and events that remind of the trauma: Attentiveness for danger - Being irritable, angry, and on guard.
If you know know someone who has PTSD, but aren’t sure what to say to them, here are some do’s and don’ts that Kristen suggests.
Do: Ask them how they’re feeling and what type of support they need. Don’t say: “Can you calm down, or I’m not going to talk to you right now.”
Do: Invite them to find resources to help them. Offer to help them find a counselor or treatment center in their area if they want you to. Don’t say: “Can’t you just forget about?”
Do: Respect them and treat them with kindness. Don’t say: “You just need to forgive, and forget what happened.”
Do: Be a good listener and refrain from judgements Don’t say: “The past is the past, you need to move on”
A combination of support groups, one on one therapy, and talking openly about her trauma with others has helped Kristen to cope with her depression and suicidal thoughts in a healthy way. Hearing other people’s stories and knowing she wasn’t alone was significant in her recovery process.
If you’re suppressing your feelings and struggling to manage your PTSD symptoms, hopefully you will find strength in Kristen’s story to take the first step towards your healing. Start with whatever you’re comfortable with and don’t be afraid to seek out support from friends and family.
Small steps are still steps.
Additional resources and information on PTSD can be found at NIMH.gov and PTSDAlliance.org.