Understanding PTSD: Support and hope for healing

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, serious accident, combat or personal assault. It's more than just feeling shaken up or anxious-it can interfere with everyday life, relationships and overall wellbeing.

While anyone can experience trauma, not everyone develops PTSD. For some, the effects of trauma linger and may even grow worse over time. Knowing the signs and understanding what help is available can make a difference-for you or someone you care about.

Recognizing the symptoms

PTSD can affect people in different ways. Common symptoms include:

• Reliving the trauma
  This can happen through flashbacks, nightmares or intrusive thoughts. These moments can be brought on by stimulants in everyday life or moments that remind the person of the original trauma.
• Avoidance
  People may avoid places, people or situations that remind them of the trauma. Avoiding these stimuli may help someone cope, but it can also impede their daily life if they start to close themselves off from others in an effort to avoid triggering their condition.
• Negative changes in thoughts and feelings
  These may include ongoing fear, guilt or shame, feeling detached from others or struggling to feel positive emotions. Many can start to blame themselves for not being able to control their body's response to their condition.
• Hyperarousal: Individuals may feel on edge, startle easily, have trouble sleeping or be unusually irritable or angry. This hyperarousal can negatively impact their personal relationships with family and friends.

It's important to note that PTSD symptoms often appear within three months of the trauma but can also emerge years later. The intensity and pattern of symptoms will often vary from person to person.

Who Is affected?

PTSD can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender or background. It's common among veterans and first responders, but it also affects survivors of domestic abuse, accidents or sudden loss. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about 6% of the U.S. population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.

Getting help and treatment options

The good news is that PTSD is treatable. A combination of therapies and support can lead to meaningful recovery. Common treatments include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  This helps people reframe harmful thought patterns.
• Exposure therapy
  A type of CBT that helps people gradually face memories or situations they've been avoiding.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  This uses guided eye movements to help process trauma.
• Medication
  Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can help manage symptoms .

Support from family, friends and peer groups also plays an essential role in recovery.

Reaching out for support

If you or someone you know is struggling, there are places to turn:

• VA PTSD Support: Veterans can visit ptsd.va.gov or call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1).
• SAMHSA's National Helpline: Free, confidential help is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
• NAMI HelpLine: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text "HelpLine" to 62640 for resources and support.

PTSD may feel isolating, but no one must face it alone. With the right support and treatment, healing is possible.

(This material is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about this or any other subjects pertinent to your health.)

©2025 Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation. All rights reserved. JO26873