July 16th, 2024
Brene Brown, a research professor, and storyteller has centered her research on topics of shame, courage, empathy, and vulnerability. Why is this important you ask? Hold tight.
Because approximately 12 million adults in the United States suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a given year. PTSD is the acronym for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, keep reading to learn what PTSD really is, PTSD symptoms, treatment options, and more.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, can occur after experiencing a traumatic event or events. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.
The symptoms of PTSD trauma can be distressing, even greatly debilitating, and can cause significant challenges in the lives of those survivors. Trauma is not something you ‘just get over'.
The difficult part about trauma is that it feeds feelings of shame. Shame is the concept of, ‘I am bad’, ‘I am unworthy’, and ‘I am undeserving’. And yet, when we are able to dig deep within ourselves, allow ourselves to be vulnerable, and tap into our courage while being met with empathy and compassion, we are able to extinguish those feelings of shame and begin to heal.
By further breaking the silence on trauma and how it impacts so many of us, we can continue to push towards greater healing through a connection that is derived from empathy, compassion, and holding space for one another to own our stories and our bodies.
“Shame cannot survive being spoken. It cannot survive empathy.” -Brene Brown
According to the American Psychological Association, trauma is defined as an emotional and physiological response to any event(s) that is deemed stressful, threatening, or harmful. Events such as combat and sexual assault are oftentimes linked to the word ‘trauma’.
However, it should be noted that the presence of physical danger or threat does not necessarily need to be present in order to be coined as ‘traumatic’. Situations that an individual may deem as emotionally threatening or harmful can also be classified as trauma.
At the heart of this issue is not specifying which exact situations or examples are labeled as traumatic but rather the way the mind and body receive and respond to the threat within the environment. In other words, trauma can be any situation that occurs too much, too fast, and ultimately floods the body and mind’s ability to cope with the situation (also known as the ‘Window of Tolerance’) and results in feelings of terror, fear, and helplessness.
There are several categories used to more clearly understand the nature of traumatic experiences and their implications on behavioral, emotional, psychological, and physiological functioning. There are 4 different categories:
Additionally, there are adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that occur and lead to negative changes in coping, functioning, and ultimately physical health. Those experiences can be classified as either chronic or complex trauma. Please see here for more information on Kaiser Permanente’s study on ACEs.
In terms of further categorizing types of traumatic events/trauma for the sake of better understanding, this concept and its implications is the idea of ‘little t’ and ‘Big T’ trauma. This is more of an informal categorization of traumatic events rather than something formally diagnosable.
‘Little t’ trauma refers to painful experiences that ‘exceed our ability to cope leading to disruptions in emotional functioning’ and subsequent behavioral responses. It is important to note that these events are not inherently life-threatening or ‘bodily-integrity threatening’ but are distressing nonetheless leading to feelings of helplessness and emotional dysregulation. Examples include: ‘infidelity, interpersonal conflict, divorce, legal troubles, financial issues, or abrupt and/or extended relocation’.
These situations are seen as ‘common’ but still include an emotional intensity that can overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope if chronic and/or acute for substantial periods of time. This is because ‘little t’ traumatic events add up over time and can exceed our window of tolerance leading to a breakdown in coping abilities and dysregulation.
Conversely, ‘Big T’ traumas are larger, more acute situations such as combat, sexual assault, or school shooting. Furthermore, these types of incidents include greater feelings of fear, powerlessness, and helplessness exacerbating the severity of trauma symptoms. ‘Big T’ traumas include acuity that goes beyond the ‘little t’ traumatic experiences and is oftentimes more easily recognizable as ‘trauma’ to the individual.
It should be emphasized that both ‘little t’ and ‘Big T’ events qualify as distressing, traumatic, and valid. Your experience is not ‘less than’ simply because you have experienced ‘little t’ traumatic experiences.
There are many forms of trauma that occur on a micro (individual), meso (community), and macro (systemic/institutional) level. Below you will find a preliminary listing of various examples of trauma. Please know that this list is not exhaustive.
Equally important to remember is that not everyone responds to these situations in the same way. One person may experience significant distress and trauma symptoms while another person may not. Neither is right nor wrong.
Remember, we are all different and have our own unique experiences that factor into our ability to cope with distressing situations. Your reactions to abnormal circumstances/situations are normal and valid nonetheless.
In regards to the succession of PTSD and its corresponding symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event, there are several phases that typically occur.
“Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe in their bodies. The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort. Their bodies are constantly bombarded by visceral warning signs and, in an attempt to control these processes, they often become expert at ignoring their gut feelings and in numbing what is played out inside. They learn to hide from themselves.” -Bessel van der Kolk
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5, or the DSM-5, reports there are 4 clusters of symptoms experienced with PTSD.
Distressing/unwanted memories related to the event(s), flashbacks, distressing dreams/nightmares, severe emotional/physical reactions to reminders of the event(s).
Attempts to avoid thinking about, talking about, people/places/things/activities related to the traumatic event(s).
Hopelessness, negative thoughts about yourself/people/the world, memory issues (difficulty remembering details/sequence of events), difficulty maintaining relationships, feeling detached from others, feeling numb, loss of interest/enjoyment pleasurable activities/things, difficulty experiencing ‘positive’ emotions.
Easily startled/frightened, being on guard for danger, self-destructive behaviors (i.e. drinking, drug use, reckless driving, etc.), difficulty concentrating, irritability, angry outbursts, aggressive behaviors, overwhelming feelings of guilt or shame.
Emotional & Psychological PTSD Symptoms:
Physical PTSD Symptoms:
Healing from PTSD is possible, thanks to this concept of brain plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity, and the resilience of the human psyche. Brain plasticity loosely means that our brain’s wiring can change over time based on consistent and repeated behavioral responses.
Neuroplasticity is technically defined as the brain’s ability to create new neural connections over time in order to ‘adapt, master new skills, store memories, and information’, and incorporate new methods of coping in response to positive changes. In other words, in the same way that we learn to adapt and survive our trauma, we can learn new ways of ‘being’ in order to ‘re-wire’ or ‘unlearn’ the effects of trauma.
In order to elicit healthy changes in behavior, emotional regulation, and cognition it is important to receive the proper care and support from professionals that are well-versed and experienced in working with PTSD. If you find yourself struggling with the lingering and distressing PTSD symptoms, please seek help.
There is no shame in admitting to and healing from our past painful experiences. If you choose to begin psychotherapy with a professional, first and foremost, you must feel a connection with them. It is important to feel safe, heard, and seen in therapy, especially when working through trauma. Therapeutic relationships are just like any other- they take time to build trust by showing up, putting in the work, being transparent, and having open communication.
Furthermore, you are well within your rights to ask what types of interventions they use in order to get a better understanding of how they approach trauma treatment. Ask questions if you do not understand something!
Finally, know that it is important to remember that this process of unlearning and ‘re-wiring’ takes time and consistent effort. PTSD recovery does not happen overnight. Be patient with yourself!
Evidence-Based Treatments for PTSD:
“Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.” - Peter Levine
“Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we will ever do.” -Brene Brown
If you or a loved one is struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it's essential to seek professional help. At Clarity Clinic, we specialize in providing comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals affected by PTSD. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists is dedicated to helping you manage and overcome the challenges associated with PTSD.
We understand that PTSD affects everyone differently. That’s why we create personalized PTSD treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Whether you need individual therapy, group therapy, or medication management, we have the resources to support you.
Living with PTSD can be incredibly challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Visit one of our mental health clinic locations in the Loop, River North, Lakeview Broadway, Evanston, or Arlington Heights, Chicago, IL, for the best PTSD treatment and care.
Take the first step towards healing, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Book a PTSD Consultation!What does PTSD mean?
PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.
What does complex post traumatic stress disorder mean?
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a condition resulting from prolonged or repeated trauma, such as long-term abuse. It includes the symptoms of PTSD, along with additional issues like emotional regulation difficulties, negative self-concept, and problems with relationships.
Is PTSD a disability?
Yes, PTSD is considered a disability. It is recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and can qualify individuals for disability benefits if it significantly impairs their ability to function in daily life or work.
What are the 17 symptoms of complex PTSD?
Complex PTSD symptoms include the typical PTSD symptoms (such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative mood, and hyperarousal) plus additional symptoms like: Difficulty regulating emotions, Changes in consciousness, Negative self-perception, Difficulty with relationships
Loss of systems of meaning, Persistent feelings of helplessness, Shame or guilt, Inability to trust
Problems with self-identity, Physical symptoms (headaches, dizziness), Destructive behaviors
Hypervigilance, Suicidal thoughts, Nightmares, Flashbacks, Memory loss, and Chronic pain.
What does a PTSD episode look like?
A PTSD episode may involve sudden, intense fear or anxiety, flashbacks of the traumatic event, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and physical symptoms like sweating, heart palpitations, or difficulty breathing. These episodes can be triggered by reminders of the trauma.
What does PTSD do to a person?
PTSD can significantly impact a person's daily life, causing emotional distress, relationship problems, difficulty functioning at work or school, and an increased risk of substance abuse. It can also lead to long-term mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
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Written By: Marialaina Bucci, LCPC, NCC, CDVP, CCTP
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