June is PTSD Awareness Month

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is something that can happen after a person goes through a very scary, dangerous, or upsetting event. This could be something like a bad accident, a natural disaster, violence, or losing someone important. PTSD does not mean a person is weak. It means their brain and body are having trouble feeling safe again after something frightening happened.

Our brains have a built-in alarm system to help protect us from danger. When we are scared, the brain sends signals to the body to get ready to react quickly. This is called the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. The heart may beat faster, muscles may tighten, and breathing may speed up. These reactions are helpful during real danger because they help keep us safe.

For someone with PTSD, the brain’s alarm system can stay turned on even after the danger is over. It is like a smoke alarm that keeps ringing after the fire is gone. The brain keeps warning the body that something bad might happen again, even when the person is safe.

Because of this, PTSD can affect both the brain and the body. A person may have nightmares, scary memories, trouble sleeping, or feel nervous and jumpy. Loud sounds or reminders of the scary event may suddenly make them feel afraid. Their body may also react with headaches, stomachaches, tiredness, or a racing heartbeat.

The good news is that people with PTSD can get help and feel better over time. Talking to trusted adults, counselors, or therapists can help the brain learn that the danger has passed. Calm breathing, exercise, sleep, art, music, and spending time with caring people can also help the body relax and feel safe again.

It is important to remember that people with PTSD are not “crazy” or “broken.” Their brains are trying very hard to protect them. With support, patience, and care, many people with PTSD heal and learn healthy ways to cope with their feelings and memories.

Not everything is negative with PTSD, people can slowly grow in good ways too. That doesn’t mean the bad thing was okay. It just means people can heal and become stronger over time.

Here are some positive changes that can happen:

·         They realize they are stronger than they thought.

·         A person might think, “Wow, I got through something really hard.”

·         They care more about other people’s feelings.

·         They become closer to family or friends.

·         Hard times can bring people together.

·         They appreciate little things more.

·         They become braver about trying new things.

·         Some people use their experience to support people who are hurting.

It’s also important to know that healing can take a long time. People can still feel sad, scared, or upset while they’re growing stronger. Both things can happen at the same time.

If you feel like you need to talk to someone, you can call and schedule an appointment with one of our licensed trauma specialists:

Daylen, Terri, or Ari at the Skokomish Wellness Center ~ 360.426.5755